IN recent weeks, as bushfires neared homes across the eastern and western parts of Queensland, rural fire volunteers battled extreme heat and conditions to protect lives and properties.
Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) commissioner Lee Johnson said the service's ability to protect countless properties and keep residents informed would not have been possible without this vital volunteer workforce.
"Hundreds of rural fire volunteers from across Queensland left their everyday jobs and families to commit countless hours to the frontline as unfavourable conditions made battling these bushfires extremely difficult," Mr Johnson said.
"Their ability to fight these fires would also not be possible without the constant support of their employers who let them break from their daily duties to protect local communities."
Mr Johnson said while the recent rainfall had offered some reprieve for at-risk communities and tired fire fighters, the season was not over.
"As rainfall eases towards the end of the week, high to very high, and in some cases severe fire conditions are expected to impact parts of the state as early as tomorrow," he said.
"If recent fire activity isn't enough of a reminder, residents must ensure they are bushfire prepared and have the steps in place should a fire encroach on their homes.
"People must be resilient, and in the event of a large bushfire, not expect a fire fighter at their door.
"Visit the rural fire website and familiarise yourself with a bushfire survival plan and the different levels of warnings you may receive in the event of a bushfire."
- For further information on how to prepare for the bushfire season, visit www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au