Mount Isa Firefighter Patrick Buck said the main reason is to support Mount Isa and the greater region.

Swift water operators have specialised technical training and skills to assist other emergency personnel by helping people who are stranded or trapped up a tree, in a drain or on a vehicle in a causeway, by fast moving water.

RELATED STORY: Four people stranded in flood waters near Middleton

“They enter the water if it is safe to do so and perform a rescue if it’s required,” Mr Buck said.

The Mount Isa QFES branch currently have one crew of swift water and firefighting personnel supporting outlying stations and towns.

Mr Buck said that crew is in Julia Creek and are attempting to head to Richmond, if its safe.

“Another crew will standby in Cloncurry,” he said.

As torrential rain continues to pound the region Mr Buck would like to remind people to not to ignore road closure signs.

“They are put in place to protect travelers from washouts, craters and other hazards, and do not attempt to cross flooded roads and causeways.

“Remember if it’s flooded, forget it,” he said.

According to the bureau of meteorology major flood warnings may develop at Cloncurry overnight Friday into Saturday and is likely at Walkers Bend during Saturday.

Locally heavy rainfalls of 60-180 mm have been recorded in the Flinders and Cloncurry catchments in the 24 hours to midnight Friday.

Further heavy rainfall is expected during the next few days.

Since 9am Friday Febraury 1 Mount Isa has recieved 115mm.

Cloncurry recieved 160mm and Lake Julius – 110mm.

Camooweal – 45mm

Richmond – 75mm

Julia Creek – 15mm

Normanton – 55mm

While you’re here, sign up to our weekly newsletter delivered straight to your email inbox each Friday at 6am.