Fireys battle two deliberately lit fires near Noosa North Shore blaze
Exhausted and stretched firefighting crews are being pushed further to the brink with arsonists reportedly behind two deliberately lit fires near the Noosa North Shore blaze.
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FIREFIGHTERS have put out two fires in an hour this morning that were deliberately lit outside the abandoned old Noosa Tewantin Bowls Club.
Rob Frey of the Noosa Fire Brigade said mattresses had been pulled out of the building and set alight igniting adjoining bushland.
The fires come as a State Taskforce investigation involving Queensland Fire and Emergency Services and police launches into a series of fires between Tuesday and Wednesday that occurred in different locations on the Noosa North Shore.
FULL LIST OF BUSHFIRE ALERTS AND EVACUATIONS
Noosa North Shore first officer Mike Hancock said the inquiry, which involved police forensic teams would start this morning.
Mr Hancock said there appeared to be no possible source of natural ignition.
He said crews had spent the night dealing with hot spots and reinforcing containment lines ahead of an expected return to hot conditions Friday and into the weekend.
Mr Frey said a lot of good work had been done by crews through the night.
Fire commander Bernie Massingham said additional bodies were being drawn from Brisbane ahead of the weekend to relieve crews that had become increasingly fatigued due to continuous call outs during the past two months.
QFES advised this morning that the Noosa North Shore bushfire conditions remained unsafe.
People were advised to follow their bushfire survival plan now.
"If you do not have a plan, your safest option is to leave now if it is clear to do so," a spokesman said.
"If you are not in the area, do not return, as conditions are too dangerous.
"Currently as at 8.50am Thursday 14 November, a bushfire continues to pose a threat to Noosa North Shore near the First Cutting. The fire could have a significant impact on the community.
"The fire is currently contained however this could change quickly and residents should not return to the area until authorities advise it is safe to do so. Road closures remain in place.
"Fire crews are working alongside heavy machinery to reinforce fire breaks and patrol the area. While this work is taking place, it is not safe to return.
"People in the area will be affected by smoke, which will reduce visibility and air quality."
An evacuation centre has been established at the Noosa Leisure Centre on Wallace Drive.
Originally published as Fireys battle two deliberately lit fires near Noosa North Shore blaze
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