Goodwood residents return to charred homes amid ongoing fire battle

The reality of the heartbreaking damage from a fire in Bundaberg’s west has become clear as residents return to confronting scenes and power outages. PHOTOS, VIDEO

Residents returning to their Goodwood homes in Bundaberg still have a long battle ahead with intense fire damage and power outages expected.

The devastating Goodwood and Kinkuna fire continues to burn for a sixth day as evacuated residents return to smouldering flames and heavy smoke.

Two homes were impacted by the allegedly deliberately lit Goodwood blaze, and many more came close to losing everything.

Disaster control group members invited the media as they assessed the damage throughout the rural streets west of Woodgate and provided an update on the ongoing blaze.

The Goodwood fires melted tyres and backed machinery.

Burnt out patches of grass crunching underfoot reveals flames came within inches of many homes, while others were not so lucky.

Emergency services are still working to extinguish the fire, with multiple crews including air support monitoring the blaze.

A child's swing sits blackened under burnt bushland, the seat lost to the flames.

One property has lost dozens of mango trees and a large shed.

Children’s bikes, mowers and farm machinery are also charred under the collapsed tin shed roof, and nearby there is an ashen child’s swing - the seat lost to the flames.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads used thermal imaging to detect trees along Goodwood Road which needed to be bulldozed before they collapse onto the busy route.

These scenes are what residents are returning to following ongoing efforts from fire crews, police, volunteers and government departments.

District Disaster Coordinator Grant Marcus said while the flames are under control, and residents are allowed back into homes, there is still work to be done.

Charred patches of grass show just how close the flames came to destroying this Goodwood home.

“The fires are still progressing unfortunately, but the Queensland Fire and Emergency services are doing everything they can to make they sure they are under control and that we will have no further outbreaks,” he said.

Residents who have had their power cut by Ergon will have to contact their own electrician to reconnect the power, with many still experiencing outages.

Smoke continues to billow through the bushland, with ash clinging to shoes, clothes and walls as a tepid reminder of the horrors this region continues to face.

Strong winds swept the Goodwood fire storm through the region, singeing vegetation.

It remains unclear when Goodwood State School will reopen to students.

Those battling the fallout of expansive flames in the North Burnett may be able to expect some relief following rain over night and feed drops on the way.

“At this stage, we think we’re over the worst of it, and we hope that the community will recover quickly,” Mr Marcus said.