Firefighters on scene of bushfire at Peregian Beach
More than 100 firefighters, joined by waterbombing aircraft, have contained a huge fire that flared up on the Sunshine Coast, forcing evacuations, just a month after the same location witnessed the fastest-growing fire emergency in Queensland history.
QLD News
Don't miss out on the headlines from QLD News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
WATERBOMBING helicopters and firefighters have managed to contain a huge fire that flared up, threatening homes and forcing evacuations at Peregian Beach on the Sunshine Coast.
Police declared an emergency situation at Coolum Beach, and fire authorities issued a “leave now” warning in relation to the fire, with people in the area bounded by Woodland Drive to Stumers Creek Rd, David Low and the Sunshine Coast Motorway urged to self-evacuate. The declaration, which was invoked at 7:54am, was revoked at 12.30pm.
LATEST 4.10pm Oct 23: Peregian Beach bushfire
QFES) advises you need to keep up to date and decide what actions you will take if the situation changes.
Currently a bushfire is burning along the coastline to the east of David Low Way between Lorikeet Drive and Stumers Creek.
The fire is contained and crews will continue to monitor the area into the evening.
Residents who were previously advised to evacuate can now return home.
People in the area may be affected by smoke, which will reduce visibility and air quality.
Properties are not under direct threat at this time.
It’s understood about 42 crews – made up of well over 100 firefighters – were called to the blaze this morning, which started somewhere along the southern side of Havana Road East.
“We’ve pretty much thrown everything at it,” QFES Community Management Coordinator Peter Harkin said.
A total of six people, one cat and one dog were evacuated to the Noosaville Recreation Centre on Wallace Drive.
Aerial photos show true devastation of Peregian bushfires
What it was like to be on the frontline of the Peregian firestorm
Panic as residents desperately try to flee giant fire
It comes just a month after a horror blaze that forced a massive evacuation of the seaside strip.
The declared zone included Woodland Drive to Stumers Creek Road, David Low Way and the Sunshine Coast Motorway, but those roads are now being reopened.
David Low Way is CLOSED at Plover Street.
— Queensland Police (@QldPolice) October 22, 2019
At 12.50pm, firefighters downgraded a watch and act notice to “advise”, confirming the fire had been contained.
“QFES crews continue to monitor the fire. Waterbombing aircraft are operating in the area, the update said.
“Residents who were previously advised to evacuate can now return home.
“People in the area will be affected by smoke, which will reduce visibility and air quality.”
Waterbombing helicopters spent hours flying runs over the area, dropping tonnes of water at as they battled to halt the blaze.
Coolum State High School issued a notice to parents on its Facebook page, asking them to keep their childre home “at this stage”.
“Due to a fire on the beach side of David Low Way, there have been road closures that have cut access to Coolum State High School,” the post says.
“Fire evacuation procedures have been invoked at school, with all staff and students safe and secure. More information will be provided as it becomes available.”
The fire emergency in the area last month has been described as the fastest-growing fire emergency in Queensland history.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk this morning said she was concerned for the residents forced to evacuate their homes for the second time in a month.
“I know that after the ordeal of the September firestorm in this area, residents will be worried for their properties,” she said.
“But I urge everyone to please listen to advice and do everything to stay safe.”
Weather conditions are favourable and the bushfire is contained in national parkland, the premier said.
Luck of the draw puts alternative premier last on the list
Tuesday’s ballot draw was a mixed bag for the major parties, with Labor and the Greens well down the card in areas they are targeting.
‘There is no patient tax’ – but Labor will axe it anyway
While denying it exists, Labor will scrap its controversial “patient’s tax” to neutralise effective LNP attacks.