Sunshine Coast bushfires: Inside the ‘ember storm’

Authorities say it’s a miracle more homes haven’t been lost in the state’s fire disaster, including the Sunshine Coast inferno the Acting Premier called an “ember storm”. Pictures: Matt/Severe Weather Australia

QUEENSLAND’S ongoing bushfire crisis has destroyed 17 houses across the state and damaged 67 others.

Authorities say it’s a miracle more homes weren’t lost given the ferocity of the blazes, including one in the Peregian area of the Sunshine Coast last night.

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That fire continues to burn, but only one home was razed there with a second severely damaged.

Statewide a total of 17 homes have been destroyed, and 67 others are damaged — four severely, 27 moderately, and 36 in a minor way.

Acting Premier Jackie Trad said 300 firefighters who battled the blaze at Peregian had put in a herculean effort in the face of extreme danger.

Acting Premier Jackie Trad speaks with residents at the J Noosa evacuation centre. Picture: Patrick Billings

“It was nothing short of a miracle when you consider the ember storm that was engulfing those communities, and how unpredictably and quickly that fire emerged late yesterday,” she said.

With more than 80 fires still burning across Queensland, the danger is not over, with winds expected to ramp up again this afternoon.

Queenslanders have been warned that above average temperatures are expected again later this week after a short respite tomorrow and Thursday.

Inside the Peregian firestorm

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Bureau of Meteorology weather services manager Richard Wardle said winds would pick up before easing later today.

“Hopefully after today there will be a respite during Wednesday and Thursday as winds die down, but unfortunately the long-term outlook is we expect above-average temperatures for Friday and Saturday at least, so we expect to see those very high fire danger ratings continue or return at the end of the week,” he said.

Mr Wardle said the smoke was expected to move inland as the winds swung in a more southeasterly direction later today.

He also said no significant rainfall was expected in the short term.

Police Commissioner Katharine Carroll said Taskforce Overcross had been established to look at, prevent, disrupt and investigate the fires that had occurred over the last several days.

“Some of the behaviour has been unfortunately reckless,” she said.

“Some of the fires have involved children playing.

“Can I please ask parents to speak to their children, these are not usual conditions.

“Some fires have clearly gotten away from kids thinking they’re having fun.”