Beerwah grass fire: Fire contained, warnings website still down

After several hours of firefighting from on-ground crews and water bombers a huge Sunshine Coast blaze is contained, but crews will remain on scene throughout the night.

A monster bushfire at Beerwah has now been contained, firefighters have confirmed, but a “watch and act” warning remains active for several properties.

Another “watch and act” alert was issued at 5.15pm for properties between Steve Irwin Way, Irwin Rd, Mawsons Rd and the Bruce Hwy including Holt Rd with residents told to prepare to leave.

A Queensland Fire and Emergency Services spokesman said the Beerwah grass fire had been contained as of 4.15pm Monday.

Water bombers and Large Air Tankers will continue to work to contain the fire until it gets dark, and crews will remain on scene over night, he said.

Assistant commissioner Gary McCormack said the fire had burnt 350 hectares over several days and was “contained but not under control”.

Mr McCormack said there was still a significant amount of smoke around the region and the fire could burn for several more days.

“There is still some risk because the so fire can still spot over into unburned country and then we‘ve got to deal with that situation,” he said.

“The risk to community in the Mawsons Road and Holt Road area (in Beerwah) has abated to a certain degree so it is certainly reduced.”

He said crews were able to contain the fire into the block it jumped into on Monday afternoon.

“Obviously the objective then will be to keep that fire within that block and stop it from getting any further,” he said.

He said there were still some challenges ahead with increased temperatures and a north-westerly wind change on Wednesday and Thursday.

“So the fire at the moment is contained, we wouldn’t say that it’s under control, but it’s contained, for the moment,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Queensland Fire and Emergency Service’s website is still experiencing technical issues.

The authority’s warning website was down as of 3.30pm.

View of the fire at Beerwah. Photo: Emma Oliver

Australia Zoo - which bordered 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.”

Residents in Caloundra West and Aura were also told to stay informed on Monday afternoon.

A Queensland Fire and Emergency Services spokesperson said 60 units were involved in the firefighting effort, including aircraft.

“Firefighting aircraft are helping ground crews,” the alert said.

“Major roads or highways may be impacted, including Roys Road.”

The grass fire at Beerwah. Picture: Tamara Hazelden

“Conditions could get worse quickly, prepare to leave and start taking protective action now.”

A Queensland Fire and Emergency Services spokesman said Roys Road would be closed.

PREPARE TO LEAVE - Beerwah (Sunshine Coast) - Multiple Warnings - fire as at 1:44pm Monday, 18 September 2023.
For all current warnings, updates and mapping go to https://t.co/vqyJTUPBhe. pic.twitter.com/QCpzo928zD

— Qld Fire & Emergency (@QldFES) September 18, 2023

A grass fire has continued to burn near Beerwah on Monday, September 18.

A police statement said Burys Road and Mawsons Road would be closed, and delays were expected on the Bruce Highway.

Beerwah residents paid tribute to firefighters which battled a fire to protect the township on Sunday, as residents rallied to help those in need.

Police are currently at the scene of a fast-moving grass fire in Beerwah. Multiple roads are closed including Roys Road, Burys Road and Mawsons Road. Please avoid the area and stay up to date with warnings for the area. Delays are also expected on the Bruce Highway. pic.twitter.com/rknnH8sKLw

— Queensland Police (@QldPolice) September 18, 2023