Coast firefighters racing clock to protect Rainbow Beach

Ten Sunshine Coast fire-fighting strike teams are racing up the Bruce Highway in a bid to protect a popular camping area from a large bushfire.

The bushfire at Double Island Point on the Teewah side. Picture: Luke Callander

TEN Sunshine Coast fire-fighting strike teams are racing up the Bruce Highway in a bid to protect a popular camping area from a large bushfire.

The 10 trucks and firefighters are headed towards Rainbow Beach to protect the area from a bushfire which broke containment lines overnight.

The fire is burning in the Cooloola section of the Great Sandy National Park near Teewah Beach and is burning north towards Rainbow Beach Road.

Local firefighting sources said the strike teams were headed north to assist Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service staff cutting containment lines in a bid to contain the blaze and protect Cooloola Cove and Rainbow Beach residents and holidaymakers.

The fire has the potential to move quickly and residents in Cooloola Cove and Rainbow Beach have been told to be prepared to act if the situation changes.

The bushfire at Double Island Point on the Teewah side. Picture: Lachlan Callander

The fire remained out of control and water bombers have been called in to help the crews try and wrestle control of the blaze.

Rainbow Beach Road was currently affected by thick smoke and motorists have been told to drive safely.

Local firefighters reminded residents to stay tuned in to emergency advice and updates.