Update...

Please be advised the local fire ban currently declared for residents in the Mackay, Whitsunday and Townsville Local Government Areas will be cancelled from 1159hrs Monday 10 November.

Earlier... 

Queensland Fire Department (QFD) has imposed a local fire ban for Northern Region residents.

The local fire ban will be in place from 1601hrs on Monday 3 November for residents in the Mackay, Whitsunday and Townsville Local Government Areas.

Current fire 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 suspended for the duration of the ban.

Power tools may be used during a local fire ban however QFD 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. 

The ban is expected to remain in place until 2359hrs on Sunday 16 November. 

Information on fire bans and the exemptions that can apply can be found on the QFD website fire.qld.gov.au/firebans.