Severe fire warnings as strong winds threaten to accelerate dangerous blazes

Residents north of Noosa are being allowed to return home this morning after a bushfires forced evacuations overnight.

RESIDENTS in Teewah, north of Noosa, are returning home this morning after they were evacuated last night when a bushfire threatened the township.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Service has downgraded its bushfire warning level to advice.

As at 2.30am, the bushfire was burning on the eastern side of the Noosa River, west of Teewah township.

It was travelling slowly in a north, north westerly direction.

Backburning operations are complete and residents have been allowed to return to their properties.

“People in the area will be affected by smoke, which will reduce visibility and air quality,”, the QFES warns.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services issued a leave now notice at 9.20pm yesterday and warned residents to follow their bushfire survival plans.

Firefighters turned around to head home for the night just before midnight while the rural brigade remained in the area, according to a spokeswoman stationed at Queensland Fire and Emergency Services on the Sunshine Coast.

“We’re in the process of releasing vehicles to return home for rest, ready for the morning,” the spokeswoman said.

The fire at Noosa North Shore looking north from Noosa Beach. Picture: Black Mountain Rural Fire Brigade

Four urban fire trucks had been onsite at the township to battle the blaze and protect local homes, while five rural vehicles were conducting back burns in the area.

The bushfire was burning on the eastern side of the Noosa River, south of Teewah, travelling in a north, north-easterly direction towards the township.

As of 11.35pm, backburning had been successful in slowing the fire, according to the spokeswoman.

It’s understood the township had been evacuated with the assistance of police.

Noosa Mayor Tony Wellington said via Facebook that an evacuation centre was not required due to the small number of Teewah residents.

Teewah residents have been told to leave as a bushfire rages north of Noosa. Picture: Pomona and District Weather Warnings

According to the mayor, nearby hotel Noosa North Shore Retreat had made beds available to evacuated residents. There are believed to be about 14 residents who live at Teewah Beach.

Residents who are leaving the area can do so safely in a southerly direction along the beach, towards Tewantin.

The fire was previously in the Cooroibah area however had travelled to Teewah.

Cooroibah residents no longer need to prepare to leave.

Teewah residents have been told to leave as a bushfire rages north of Noosa. Picture: Pomona and District Weather Warnings

EARLIER

Residents in other parts of the Sunshine Coast and the Somerset region have been warned they must be ready to leave their homes as fires rage across the southeast. 
In statements issued between 5pm, 6pm and 6.50pm this evening, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services have urged residents in Lake Manchester and the surrounding areas, as well as residents in Cooroibah and Teewah, north of Noosa, to prepare to leave as the current bushfire could worsen.

QFES said in a statement locals must “be ready to follow your bushfire survival plan. If you do not have a plan, or intend to leave, you should be ready to leave the area because the situation could get worse quickly”.

The large Lake Manchester fire was travelling towards Waverley Rd between Lake Manchester Rd and Sheppards Rd in Lake Manchester. 

QFES warn the fire will likely impact Waverley Rd. 

The Teewah fire, formally the Cooroibah fire, was burning on the eastern side of the Noosa River, near the Teewah airstrip, travelling in a north easterly direction towards Teewah Beach.

Emergency services are working to contain the fires but urge residents not to expect a firefighter at their door.

Water bombing aircraft are working to support the work of ground crews, who are working tirelessly to try protect properties. 

QFES warns that people in the area will be affected by smoke, which will reduce visibility and air quality.

Meanwhile residents in Villeneuve in the Somerset Region and Lower Beechmont on the Gold Coast are reminded to stay vigilant and listen to local advice, as fires continue to burn in the areas. 

Call triple-0 immediately if you believe your property is under threat.

EARLIER

SEVERE fire warnings have been issued for the southeast coast and central Queensland over fears gusty winds could “accelerate” the spread of dangerous fires.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued severe fire dangers for the Southeast Coast, Darling Downs and Granite Belt, Central Highlands and Coalfields and Wide Bay and Burnett districts today.

Earlier today, a high fire danger was issued but this was raised to the severe level from 10.20am.

Meanwhile, strong west and south-westerly winds are set to sweep across coastal waters along the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast today.

Meteorologist Dan Narramor said “fresh and gusty” winds would pass as a result of a surface trough moving through the southeast.

He said wind speeds are predicted to be at about 20-25 knots but could reach 30 knots later this afternoon.

“The stronger the winds, the worst the fire conditions can get,” Mr Narramor said.

“For any fires that are ongoing, stronger winds can lead to accelerated movement and faster fire motion,” he said.

He said the winds are expected to be worse in the state’s inland.

The bureau predicts conditions will ease after sunset with a drop in temperatures and easing of winds.