Kinkuna and Coonbarr residents told to evacuate

Residents of two Bundaberg suburbs have been told to get out and not return as a fast-moving bushfire moves through Kinkuna and Coonbarr.

Residents of seven roads west of Coonarr near Bundaberg have been told to leave immediately as a fast-moving bushfire makes its way west from Burrum Coast National Park towards Palm Beach Rd, 15km south of Bundaberg.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services have issued an emergency warning to houses in Golchert Drive, Coonarr Rd, Gum Tree Court, Oak Ave, Olive Tree Rd, Fern Tree Drive and Palm Beach Rd asking them to leave immediately as it may soon be too dangerous to drive.

At 1pm QFES said the fire was expected to impact Palm Beach Road within the hour.

Nine fire crews are on the scene and aircraft have been deployed.

Police are assisting QFES with doorknocking and alerting anyone in the area to leave.

QFES has sent out text and Voice message emergency alerts to warn people who might be affected.

This is the alert sent out:

Coonarr fire, September 11, 2023.

LEAVE IMMEDIATELY. Your life could be at risk. It will soon be too dangerous to drive.

If your life is in danger, call triple-0 (000) immediately. ‎

What you should do:

– LEAVE IMMEDIATELY and follow your bushfire survival plan now.

– Go to a place away from the Emergency Warning area. Plan how you will get there. Tell others where you are going.

– Avoid driving on Palm Beach Road, Herbert Hall Road and Golchert Drive, Coonarr.

– Check for road closures before you leave at the QLD Traffic website or call 13 19 40.

– Wear protective clothing and stay hydrated.

– Keep medications close by.

– Stay informed:

– Keep checking the QFES Current Bushfires and Warnings website

– Follow QFES on Facebook and Twitter

– Listen to your local radio station

– Do not fly drones around the fire. Drones affect air operations.

Impacts:

– Conditions could get worse quickly and properties may be impacted.

– Firefighters may not be able to stop the fire from getting closer. Do not expect a firefighter at your door.

– Power, water, and mobile phone services may stop working soon.

– Smoke will make it hard to see and breathe. The smoke will sting your eyes.

– It will be hot and loud. You may hear explosions nearby.

– The sky will be dark.

– You could be isolated.

IF YOU CAN‘T LEAVE SAFELY:

– Turn garden sprinklers on to soak the ground.

– Bring doormats and outdoor furniture inside or away from the house.

– Block downpipes at the top and fill gutters with water if you can.

– Find a safe place to shelter, preferably inside a brick building.

– Close windows, doors and vents.

– Seal gaps under doors and windows with wet towels.

– Fill containers with water for drinking and firefighting.

– Bring pets inside. Give them water to drink. Keep them safe.

Further Information:

– For all warnings, visit the QFES Current Bushfires and Warnings website.

– For road closures, visit the QLD Traffic website or call 13 19 40.