Bundaberg Mayor Mal Forman says it is important that residents abide by a total fire ban in southern Queensland’s Wide Bay region.

Nine months ago, Bundaberg experienced its worst floods.

This week, extreme tinderbox conditions caused by dry and humid weather has caused the fire service to implement a two-week fire ban right across the Wide Bay from midnight (AEST) yesterday.

The total fire ban covers Bundaberg, Gympie, the Fraser Coast and the North and South Burnett council areas.

The Rural Fire Service says residents should not use power tools or anything that may spark a blaze.

Councillor Forman says this year’s weather patterns have been challenging to deal with.

He says a lot of areas that flooded are now a fire risk.

“We have a lot of vegetation around, it is very dry and there’s a lot of fuel, so if somebody does the wrong thing it could set on fire,” he said.

“I am concerned of the situation but I am glad they have brought in this local fire ban to prevent people from burning and doing things.

“Let’s just hope people don’t do things like throwing cigarette butts out of their cars.”

Fraser Coast Mayor Gerard O’Connell says his council is working closely with fire services to monitor conditions.