ABC Emergency issued separate fire and smoke alerts across Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, directing residents and motorists to manage immediate risks at home and on the road. The alerts covered vegetation fires near Valentine Plains and Wonbah, a bushfire listing near Campbells Creek, and smoke from prescribed burning around Moore River State Forest.
Who Bears the Immediate Risk
Near Biloela, the Queensland Fire Department reported a vegetation fire burning close to Calvale Road at Valentine Plains. Its Advice-level alert described conditions at 6:20pm and went out at 6:21:52pm AEST. The department said people should stay informed because conditions could change. It's a direct warning.
A second Queensland Advice-level alert covered a vegetation fire near Gin Gin Creek and Sawpit Road at Wonbah. The alert described the fire as it stood at 3:48pm Tuesday and went out at 3:48:48pm AEST. The department advised people to check for updates often, listen to local radio and decide what to do if the fire got closer.
For people facing thick smoke at Wonbah, the department advised them to stay inside and close windows and doors. It also told residents to keep breathing medication nearby and call Triple Zero (000) if they were in danger. These instructions put immediate protective steps in residents’ hands, while the alert names the department as the source of the fire information.
The department warned people not to fly drones near the Wonbah fire because drones affect firefighting. It directed residents to current Queensland Fire Department incidents and warnings, bushfire preparation tips, health and air-quality advice, Facebook and X.com updates, and road-closure information or the number 131940. The department supplied the data. They’re clear instructions.
Smoke, Health and Daily Movement
In Western Australia, Emergency WA issued an active smoke alert for Moore River State Forest, Lancelin, Ledge Point and surrounding areas, including motorists on Indian Ocean Drive and Bennies Road in the Shire of Gingin. Smoke from prescribed burning 11 kilometres east-south-east of Ledge Point could settle in low-lying areas before clearing Wednesday morning. The alert took effect at 9:11:19am AWST.
Emergency WA advised people in the affected area to shut doors and windows and turn off air-conditioners. Drivers were told to use headlights and drive slowly. If visibility was poor, they were instructed to pull over to the left, keep headlights and hazard lights on, and wait for the smoke to clear.
People with asthma or pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular illnesses were advised to follow their pre-prepared treatment plans. Anyone affected by smoke was told to contact a doctor or call 1800MEDICARE (1800 633 422). Emergency WA also asked people to watch for emergency services personnel and follow their directions. The information came from the Government of Western Australia's Department of Fire and Emergency Services.
In Victoria, an ABC Emergency listing identified a bushfire 3.4 kilometres southeast of Campbells Creek. VicEmergency supplied the information. The incident was listed as "Safe," covered 0.01 hectares and had last been updated "Today at 5:19 PM." The update took effect at 4:30pm AEDT. That's the listed status.
The Campbells Creek listing also warned that the incident was out of date, could still be active and might have moved to a different ID. It directed users to nearby active incidents. The four alerts report emergency conditions and public instructions; they provide no figures on company profits, labor involved in firefighting, or organized worker responses. There’s no such data.