Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) has extended a local fire ban through to midnight Sunday, 15 September for residents in the Banana, Central Highlands, Woorabinda, Gladstone, Livingstone and Rockhampton Local Government Areas.

The previous ban was scheduled to end at midnight Sunday 8 September, but conditions are such that it needs to be extended.

Conditions are perfect for bushfires to ignite and spread quickly.

Under a local fire ban all open fires are prohibited and all Permits to Light Fire which have been issued in the designated areas have been cancelled.

Power tools may be used during a local fire ban however QFES encourages people to use these with extreme care and ensure adequate equipment is available to extinguish any fire which may start.

This may include having a person available to watch out for any ignitions that occur.

Information on fire bans and the exemptions that can apply can be found on the RFS website, www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au.