Detectives investigating the death of 53-year-old Oakey man Paul Rock who died following a disturbance in the carpark of a Plainland’s hotel on Monday evening (July 1) have released the names and images of two men who may able to assist with their investigation.

Beau Smith, 26 (greenish and black shirts) is Caucasian, 180cm tall, with a proportional build, brown hair and blue eyes.

Kye Enright, 21 (black shirt) is Caucasian, 165cm tall, slim build, brown hair and blue eyes.

The two men are believed to have left the scene in a black sedan with the car last seen travelling on the Ipswich Motorway at Goodna shortly before 6.30pm that night.

Police are urging anyone who sights the men or has any information regarding their current whereabouts to not approach them and to immediately call Triple Zero (000).

Heightened fire conditions have forced the extension of a local ban for residents in several local government areas across south-east Queensland.

The local fire ban has been in place since Wednesday, 15 August, and has now been extended until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 22 August.

The ban includes residents in the Ipswich, Somerset, Lockyer, Logan, Scenic Rim and Gold Coast Local Government areas.

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.

For more information go to ruralfire.qld.gov.au

With challenging fire conditions predicted over the coming days, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) has imposed a local fire ban for residents in the Ipswich, Somerset, Lockyer, Logan, Scenic Rim and Gold Coast Local Government Areas.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) Commissioner Katarina Carroll said the ban would take effect at midnight on Wednesday, August 15 and was expected to remain in place until midnight on Monday August 20.

“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,” Ms Carroll said.

“A large part of the state is expected to reach a very high fire danger rating over the coming days, with some areas climbing to severe. These are perfect conditions for bushfires to ignite and spread quickly.

“Queensland is now in the grips of bushfire season and fires can start anywhere and at any time, so we need the community to be prepared for the weeks and months ahead.”

Ms Carroll said some types of fires were permitted during a local fire ban, providing conditions were followed.

“Fires lit for the purpose of burning standing sugar cane for harvest are permitted in accordance with the established practice of the industry,” Ms Carroll said.

“Fires within a properly constructed gas or electric barbeque are also permitted but they cannot be left unattended.

“Power tools may be used during a total 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.”

Ms Carroll also encouraged everyone in the community to review and practice their Bushfire Survival Plan.

“It is vitally important for everyone to be prepared and all households should have a Bushfire Survival Plan so they know what actions they would take if a bushfire were to threaten their home,” Ms Carroll said.

Rural Fire Service (RFS) Area Director Kaye Healing said current dry conditions meant even the smallest fire had the potential to spread quickly.

“Machinery such as tractors, slashers, welders and grinders can start grass fires, so anyone undertaking work around their property needs to do so with extreme caution,” Ms Healing said.

“Our crews have recently attended a number of fires that were accidentally started through activities such as welding and slashing.

“Current fire weather conditions are catching people by surprise, and they just aren’t prepared for how quickly a fire can start and spread.”

Firefighters have warned of an early start to bushfire season this year, with the Lockyer Valley being identified as one of the areas of concern.

For more information, visit www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au

Police Minister Mark Ryan and Commissioner Ian Stewart attended the naming ceremony of Polair 2 at Mary MacKillop Catholic College, Highfields.

The Minister and Commissioner joined the late Senior Constable Brett Forte’s wife Susie Forte and Brett’s children, parents and family for the ceremony.

The QPS helicopter, Polair 2, based out of Brisbane, was formally named ‘Brett A Forte’ in honour of Senior Constable Forte.

On May 29, 2017, Senior Constable Brett Forte was shot and killed on duty by an armed offender while executing his duties with the Toowoomba Tactical Crime Squad.

On this date and the subsequent day, Polair 2 provided aerial overview enhancing the situational awareness of the siege incident which enhanced the safety of all officers on scene.

Polair 2 was the initial helicopter which responded to the incident and is now named in Brett’s honour.

Commissioner Stewart said today’s ceremony was a testament to the courage and sacrifice that Senior Constable Brett Forte gave to our service.

“Polair Queensland is an asset to the QPS and it is a great honour that Polair 2 is now named after an officer who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty,” Commissioner Stewart said.

“I would like to acknowledge Brett’s wife Susie and family members today for their ongoing support throughout this naming process.”

Polair Queensland was established in August 2012 and in July 2014, a second helicopter was engaged to service the greater Brisbane area.

This section provides support to areas covering south-east Queensland, which ranges from the border of New South Wales to the Moreton District encompassing Redcliffe and Caboolture.

Polair also supports the Southern Region, including Ipswich and Toowoomba.

Police Minister Mark Ryan acknowledged Brett’s family, particularly his wife Susie, thanking them for their continued support of the Queensland Police Service and the Queensland community.

“Today we recognise the bravery and sacrifice Senior Constable Brett Forte gave to the QPS and the Queensland community.”

“The Queensland community can be assured that Polair Queensland are protecting us from above and providing support to police officers on the ground.”

Written by myPolice