Gold Coast hinterland fire: Water bombers to dump water across Binna Burra
Water bombers capable of holding up to 17,000 litres of water have been deployed from NSW in a bid to ease the terrifying blaze gripping the Gold Coast hinterland.
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WATER bombers capable of holding up to 17,000 litres of water have been deployed from NSW in a bid to ease the terrifying blaze gripping the Gold Coast hinterland.
The aircraft, called a Large Air Tanker (LAT), comes from Coffs Harbour and is expected to dump the water across Binna Burra within the next half-hour.
It comes after the devastating news the Binna Burra Lodge has received ‘significant’ damage to the fires.
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It is understood access to Binna Burra and its historic lodge remains closed and flames enclose each side of the access road.
An air operations aerial observer told the Bulletin the blaze that had threatened Sarabah, Beechmont, Canungra and now Binna Burra, was one continuous blaze moving south east.
“The most damage we have seen is to the north of Binna Burra Lodge on the ridge,” the aerial observer said.
“There has been confirmation of houses being lost but the exact number is to be confirmed.
“The fire has not moved a great deal since last night but a blaze this large can be aggressive and people should be cautious.”
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services superintendent James Haig said emergency assessment teams are yet to reach the historic lodge.
He did however confirm damage to the Binna Burra lodge.
“I am aware we have had structural damage to the restaurant and reception. Trying to get in with the LAT overhead is a bit difficult,” he said.
There are currently 56 fires across the state, with at least 326 trucks deployed.
The superintendent said he was hesitant to speculate as to direction of the blaze into the evening.
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“In that neck of the woods in the valleys and ridges it is driven by both the topography and the wind,” he said.
“We currently have active fire fighting in the area and I’m hesitant to speculate further at this stage.
“The key information is that while fire danger has been dropped in some areas people need to be sure to stay alert.
“Co-operation in the hinterland area from residents has been very good, people are following advice and there is a lot of bushfire survival planning.”
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Rural firefighters have also established more water filling stations in Canungra as the hinterland fires rage.
A 10,000 litre ring tank has been filled up in the Canungra sports fields to help the helicopter drops.
“We have a few set up all over to allow them to snorkel down quickly,” an Ormeau rural firefighter said.
“This morning it’s getting really dangerous in some areas so we have set up as much back up supply as possible.”
It is understood many of the volunteer firefighters in the area have been called back to their local areas due to ongoing fires in Gatton and Stanthorpe
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