In Australia, police have declared an emergency at Willowbank, west of Brisbane, where a large grassfire is burning out of control. The fire is burning near the Cunningham Highway in the Willowbank-Mutdapilly area. Police say smoke has reduced visibility for motorists along the highway and roads leading off it. Authorities say the gusty conditions are causing the grassfires to burn in several directions. At this stage no properties are thought to be under threat. However Queensland Fire and Rescue Service spokesman Mark Gribble says police have declared an emergency. He said they have currently deployed 12 vehicles and a chopper and are taking very aggressive measures to stop the fire.