Firefighters monitor Beerwah blaze as police probe how it started
Police officers are investigating if hoons started a blaze on the Sunshine Coast, while the Queensland premier faces questioning over rural firefighter numbers. PHOTOS, VIDEO
Sunshine Coast
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Firefighters are keeping a close eye on a fire in the Sunshine Coast that took up to 60 crews to control as police officers investigate if the fire was started by hoons.
The investigation comes as the Queensland Premier faced questioning at a press conference about the number of rural firefighters in Queensland following a whistleblower’s claims that the rural fire service would struggle to cope this season.
The fire has burned about 176ha near the Bruce Hwy, Mawsons Rd and Roys Rd in Beerwah.
A Queensland Police Service spokesman said officers were investigating reports of hoons in the area of Old Roys Rd before the fire began on Sunday, September 17.
He said police were investigating if the hooning behaviour led to the blaze and if the fire was deliberately lit.
A Queensland Fire and Emergency Service spokeswoman said the fire was burning within containment lines about 6.15am today, September 19, and firefighters continued to monitor the blaze.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Service acting chief superintendent Steve Depinto said eight rural fire crews along with HQPlantations and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service staff were monitoring the blaze.
“The situation is under control but people should make us aware if they see fire on the ground,” he said.
Mr Depinto said a fire did start in the pine forest near Roys Rd yesterday but it was “mopped up fairly quickly” and that a high fire danger was predicted for Wednesday, September 20.
He said it was best to follow action plans “early” and stay attentive to warnings.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk was questioned over the declining number of rural firefighters across the state.
She responded by saying the rural fire service had about 25,000 members and about 3000 full-time firefighters.
She said the cabinet would “continually be briefed” by the fire commissioner.
“What we do know is that we’re going to have an elevated fire risk season starting from the end of October all the way through summer,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“It’s not dissimilar to what we have seen happen in other parts of the world.”
She said the rural firefighters were well trained and were capable of doing the job required.
Earlier, Sunshine Coast residents shared shocking images of the huge fire near Beerwah where it took multiple water bombers and up to 60 crews to control on Monday.
Firefighters took to the air again in a bid to control the blaze which was raging through bushland, sending huge clouds of smoke into the air.
Residents posted pictures of mushroom like explosions above the hinterland town.
On September 18, prepare to leave warnings were issued for some Beerwah streets, and stay alert notices were issued for Caloundra West and Aura.
Smoke plumes can be seen soaring above homes, the shopping centre as well as causing a haze across major roads with traffic delays expected.
Assistant Commissioner Gary McCormack on Monday said the fire had burned through 350ha.
He said the fire could continue to burn for several days and further challenges would arise on Wednesday and Thursday with increased temperatures and a north-westerly wind change forecast.
As some residents were being told to prepare to leave Beerwah, Queensland Fire and Emergency Service’s website went into its own meltdown with technical issues on Monday afternoon.
At 3.27pm Monday a “watch and act” warning had been issued with the fire moving towards Mawsons Rd, Beerwah.
“Firefighting aircraft are helping ground crews,” the alert said.
“Major roads or highways may be impacted, including Roys Road.”
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services issued a warning at 3.27pm Monday saying property owners between Steve Irwin Way, Irwin Rd, Mawsons Rd and the Bruce Hwy, including Holt Rd, should prepare to leave.
The fire started on Sunday when close to 30 crews and several water bombing aircraft worked to contain the fire and protect homes and businesses.
Australia Zoo, which borders on the alert zone, was safe, a spokesperson has confirmed.
“Australia Zoo is currently safe and we will continue to monitor the situation closely by working with the emergency services,” they said.
“We also have well established fire protocols, extensive equipment, and trained personnel here at Australia Zoo.”
Glasshouse Country Chamber of Commerce President and local business owner Tamara Hazelden described the scene as “frantic”.
“There is a lot going on,” Mrs Hazelden said.
“There is lots of ash, lots of smoke, sirens blaring, all the sprinklers at the strawberry farms have been turned on to keep moisture around.
“There is a lot of traffic, police are diverting the traffic, while they’re working on vacating the industrial zone along Roys Road.
“A lot of the local businesses have left, there are still residents on Burys Road down the other end, but they’re just trying to get the fire under control, but the wind keeps changing.”
Beerwah Hotel staff member Tom McClure said while the establishment was safe, other parts of town were in the firing lane.
“We’re a fair distance away, but the golf course and the bunker have been evacuated,” Mr McClure said.
“It’s pretty dark outside, pretty smoky, it doesn’t look too good for the area.”
Ms Hazelden praised emergency services for the ongoing efforts to protect the township.
“We are immensely grateful for the risks you take and the sacrifices you make to keep us safe,” she said.
Mrs Hazelden thanked the community for joining forces to help impacted residents and businesses.
“Residents of Mawsons Road, Holt Road, and Burys Road were told to evacuate, so the Glass House Mountains Community Hall offered a place to go, the Stony Creek campgrounds opened up as a place to go as well,” she said.
“There were multiple families from the surrounding area that were assisting with horses being relocated as well.”
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