Gold Coast hinterland fires: Bushfires rage on across region
Authorities continue to battle bushfires across the Gold Coast hinterland and Scenic Rim, despite advice levels being downgraded last night
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AUTHORITIES continue to battle bushfires across the Gold Coast hinterland and Scenic Rim, despite advice levels being downgraded last night.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Service (QFES) has issued updates today on “vegetation fires” at Beechmont, Canungra, Numbinbah Valley, Sarabah and Witherin.
Two fires at Beechmont have been burning on Beechmont Rd and Binna Burra Rd.
The Canungra blaze has been affecting Lamington National Park Rd, while the Valley fire has been burning along Nerang Murwillumbah Rd.
The Sarabah fire has been burning along Reining Rd and the fire at Witherin has been burning on Climax Ct.
QFES has warned smoke could affect residents and motorists.
If you believe your property is under threat, phone triple-0 immediately.
About 10.30pm on Friday night, QFES advised that residents at Binna Burra, Illinbah, Lower Beechmont and Numinbah Valley needed to ‘stay informed.’
BINNA BURRA:
“Currently as at 10.20pm Friday 13 September, a bushfire is burning at Binna Burra, south of MacKenzie Road.
“The area remains closed to the public.”
NUMINBAH VALLEY:
“Currently as at 10.25pm Friday, 13 September, a bushfire is burning in an inaccessible area in Lamington National Park.
“The fire is contained to The Circuit walking track, south of the Women’s Correctional Centre.”
ILLINBAH:
“Currently as at 10.30pm Friday 13 September, a bushfire is burning to the south of Illinbah in Lamington National Park. Crews will continue to monitor and work to contain the fire.”
LOWER BEECHMONT:
“Currently as at 10.35pm Friday 13 September, a fire is burning in inaccessible land within the Canungra Defence Base.”
The alert states that crews will continue to monitor hot spots and that people were likely to be affected by smoke, which would reduce air quality and visibility.
Earlier, a QFES alert read “a bushfire is travelling in a north-westerly direction from Pyramid Creek in Lamington National Park towards Lamington National Park Road, Sarabah.
Fire crews will be working in the area to contain the fire.
“Separate bushfire warnings apply to residents of O’Reilly and Cainbable. These residents should refer to the Advice (Stay Informed) for O’Reilly bushfire (part of the Sarabah bushfire) and Cainbable bushfire (part of the Sarabah bushfire).
STAY INFORMED: Sarabah bushfire as at 5.30pm Fri 13 Sept: https://t.co/SpROUoSO52
— Qld Fire & Emergency (@QldFES) September 13, 2019
In the morning Sarabah residents had been told to ‘prepare to leave’ as the large bushfire intensified.
The large bushfire had been travelling in a north-westerly direction from Pyramid Creek in Lamington National Park towards Lamington National Park Road at Sarabah.
“If you do not have a plan, or intend to leave, you should be ready to leave the area because the situation could get worse quickly,” the alert read.
A local fire ban remains in place as firefighters brace for conditions to deteriorate in the Gold Coast hinterland today.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) forecast “very high fire danger” for the hinterland today.
There is next to no chance of much-needed rain, according to the BOM, and sunny temperatures were expected to reach up 27C.
BOM said temperatures today could even reach as high as 30C, with winds of 15-30kph also forecast.
Queensland Police said 11 homes have been lost across the hinterland, including eight in one street at Binna Burra, Timbarra Dr.
However, officers were still working to accurately assess damage.
Warm and dry conditions with a southerly wind change increasing fire dangers today (https://t.co/xFp3yooLl3). It won't be as windy as last weekend, but there will probably be some smoke through #SEQld today. See @QldFES for #fire info and @qldhealthnews for health info. pic.twitter.com/4Qj0oN4aC4
— Bureau of Meteorology, Queensland (@BOM_Qld) September 12, 2019
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The direction of the wind is often unpredictable in the mountainous terrain, leading to difficulties controlling fires, said Queensland Fire and Emergency Service (QFES) Assistant Commissioner Kevin Walsh.
Last night, QFES warned there was a bushfire burning in the Canungra Defence Base, slowly travelling in an easterly direction towards Lower Beechmont.
Firefighters were monitoring the blaze, which was burning in inaccessible land.
Waterbombing was ongoing in the area yesterday.
Fire fronts were also burning in the Lamington National Park near Illinbah, O’Reilly, Sarabah and Numbinbah Valley.
Firefighters were also monitoring a blaze at Clagiraba which was burning within containment lines around Gerara Court and Clagiraba Road.
Properties were not under threat last night, but firefighters urged residents to stay vigilant.
Crews have spent this week reinforcing containment lines across the region.
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Yesterday the Binna Burra area remained closed to the public, as a blaze continues to burn south of Summerville Road.
Authorities were forced to block the road to Binna Burra again after Transport and Main Roads deemed it unsafe.
Residents were allowed to return to the town alongside police escorts on Tuesday, but Binna Burra Rd was reclosed on Wednesday after closer inspection.
“It’s been inspected by the Department of Transport and Main Roads and they can’t guarantee the stability of the road, so we have closed it,” Chief Superintendent Ben Marcus said.
Supt Marcus said Numinbah Correctional Centre remained closed on Wednesday and inmates were still under evacuation as a “precautionary measure”.
He said investigations were continuing into how the fires started, but there was no basis whatsoever in speculation on regional social media pages that out of control backburning led to the disaster.
“The crews have been working tirelessly for a number of days now and have done a magnificent effort,” Asst Commissioner Walsh said on Wednesday.
“Now’s the time to relax and have some rest while we have some assistance from interstate colleagues coming in today. Our third taskforce from out of state.”
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Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen said most of the community “were able to safely return home and start to check things out”.
“Obviously, there are still some people who have been unable to go home as they’re dealing with either full replacement or structural repairs,” he said.
The fires have burnt out more than 5500 hectares of land.
Stock loss at this stage remained minimal as the RSPCA and rangers are deployed into the area.
Futher west, the Southern Downs Regional Council has provided amnesty to residents, temporarily removing the 100 litres of water per day restrictions.
Water restrictions had been imposed on residents and businesses since September 1, however the recent fires will see the ban lifted until Wednesday, September 18, at 5pm.
Amnesty has been provided to areas predominantly affected by the recent bushfires, including Stanthorpe, Applethorpe, and the surrounding area of Ballandean.
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On Tuesday Gold Coast residents were collecting muesli bars, lips balms and sports drinks for firefighters on the front line, as Coomera Valley Rural Fire Brigade opened its doors for donations.
A Facebook post thanked residents.
“We sincerely appreciate the help from community,” the post read.
“While we appreciate all donations made, the items that are required at this stage are
muesli bars, small packets of chips, energy bars, poppers, hydration sticks, cup of soup, noodle cups, sports drinks, soft drinks, lip balms, face wipes, hand sanitiser, large lunch bags.
The supplies are now being packed up to be taken to firefighters being deployed from the Canungra Showgrounds.
On Tuesday a gruelling windchange sparked the evacuation of the Lower Beechmont area, thanks to a new fire which broke out on the eastern edge of the Kokoda barracks training ground.
Authorities said the fire front opened up in an area with an unexploded ordnance, believed to be ammunition, which proved difficult for firefighters for several hours.
Water bombing aircraft remained in the hinterland, despite major fires breaking out in the Sunshine Coast.
“Obviously there are some strategic decisions to be made about the support for the north coast and it is an emerging situation at the moment but we will still have resources here on the fire ground,” QFES Assistant Commissioner Kevin Walsh said at the time.
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An excavator was on the ground at the Binna Burra corridor attempting to clear trees and debris from the road to allow access to the communications tower.
“The community remains resolute and supportive of each other, clearly there are people hurting deeply but their community has gathered round them and we will continue to support them,” Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen said.
“We are a long way from standing everyone down.
“This is the beginning of the fire season, nowhere near the end of it.”
Temporary infrastructure including extra bins will be placed in areas that have lost power.
Those moving and working in the Beechmont area have been advised to use the back corridor to Canungra, to allow firefighters quick access to Lower Beechmont.
It follows a tense night on the ground on Monday night as strong winds stirred up fires in the hinterland, with some residents told to get ready to leave in the middle of the night.
Around midnight Lower Beechmont residents were told to pack up and be ready to go, before conditions eased as the blaze crept through inaccessible land west of the township around 3am.
At 6am on Monday the ferocious Sarabah bushfire was burning to the south of Illinbah in the Lamington National Park and travelling in a northerly direction towards Mackenzie Road, South West Road, Illinbah Road, Gray Road and Price Creek Road.
A ‘stay informed’ alert was issued for residents in both areas.
STAY INFORMED: Lower Beechmont bushfire as at 2.55am Tue 10 Sept: https://t.co/lpG6rbOreR
— Qld Fire & Emergency (@QldFES) September 9, 2019
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On Monday residents close to O’Reillys were told to ‘leave immediately’ if conditions are clear as the dangerous Sarabah fire inches closer.
Just before 9pm, police confirmed 100 people sheltering at the O’Reilly Guest House had been successfully evacuated out of the area and to a nearby evacuation area.
At 8.30pm, a QFES ‘emergency warning’ for O’Reilly alert read: “Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) advises there is a bushfire approaching Lamington National Park Road, O’Reilly. Leaving immediately is the safest option, as it will soon be too dangerous to drive.
“Follow your bushfire survival plan now. If you do not have a plan, your safest option is to leave immediately if it is clear to do so. If you cannot leave, identify where you will seek shelter from the bushfire. If you are not in the area, do not return, as conditions are too dangerous.
LEAVE IMMEDIATELY: O’REILLY (part of the Sarabah bushfire) bushfire as at 8.30pm Mon 9 Sept: https://t.co/Z0cVahKJAO
— Qld Fire & Emergency (@QldFES) September 9, 2019
“Currently as at 8.30pm Monday 9 September, a dangerous fire is travelling in a westerly direction towards Lamington National Park Road. It is expected to impact Lamington National Park Road at Sarabah and Cainbable.
“Residents on Lamington National Park Road, between Sarabah Road and Kamarun Lookout Road, are advised to evacuate north to Moriarty Park, Canungra.
“The fire is expected to have a significant impact on the community.
“Conditions are now very dangerous and firefighters may soon be unable to prevent the fire advancing. The fire may pose a threat to all lives directly in its path.”
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During the evacuation, a spot fire caused the road out to be blocked. Police escorted people back to the resort where they remain now - safe and not under a direct threat at this time. #bushfire
— Queensland Police (@QldPolice) September 9, 2019
Earlier residents were evacuated from O’Reillys Rainforest Retreat.
A spot fire caused the road to be blocked, where police escorted people back to the resort where they remain safe at the moment.
Smoke could be seen on the hilltop at Sarabah, where locals say the flames climbed the hill in less than 10 minutes on Saturday.
QFES FIRE MAP OF CURRENT BUSHFIRES
“Conditions have picked up after lunch with some strong winds,” Assistant Commissioner Kevin Walsh told the Bulletin at the time.
“We have many resources on the ground and continue to airdrop.
“There are a small number of houses requested to leave now, we are also working with O’Reilly’s mountain resort to ensure an orderly evacuation.
“There is one road in, one road out and there has been a plan well in place since earlier this morning.”
The business also updated to their Facebook page in a post writing:
“We’ve just heard news from the Queensland Police who are closing Lamington National Park Road in a few hours — as a precaution they have also decided to evacuate O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat for the time being.
“Whilst there is no fire near the Retreat or surrounding Rainforest at the present time, conditions can change very quickly in the current climate.
“We are all working together to ensure the safety of all our guests and O’Reilly’s staff.”
Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen said earlier estimates of 4000 hectares of damage in the hinterland have now been exceeded.
“We can confirm there are now over 5000 hectares of compromised area,” Cr Christensen said.
“This is still a very volatile and active fire.”
“The evacuations (Lamington) are a precautionary step … decision to remove them is just prudent
“This isn’t just a Facebook notification, police and SES will now be going door to door.
“The failure of human beings is we tend to over-estimate our capabilities and underestimate risk.”
Despite the concerns about blazes in Lamington National Park areas some residents have been able to return home in the Binna Burra and Beechmont area.
“There is great news as of short while ago, we were able to inform a number of residents that they are able to return to their homes.
“There is still a large number that won’t be able to return for a number of reasons.”
It comes as another 50 firefighters have been dispatched to the Scenic Rim on Monday to help fight the blaze in both Binna Burra and Beechmont area.
The firefighters — fresh recruits from NSW and the ACT — have arrived to refresh the efforts.
Recovery teams were dispatched via helicopter at Binna Burra to assess the damage.
At the time Assistant Commissioner Kevin Walsh said the flames had turned back on areas already protected.
“We had fire activity last night (Sunday) where homes were under attack by embers in Binna Burra and Numinbah Valley area,” he said.
“There was however no further loss.”
“Over 200 people have been displaced by the blaze however there had been no loss of life,” AST Com Walsh said.
Police have contacted all families who have lost homes.
Community assistance grants are now being distributed to those who have been displaced.
On Friday night emergency services told Binna Burra residents it was too late to evacuate.
Emergency services said the fire was expected to have a “life-threatening impact on the community”.
QFES updated its bushfire warning for Binna Burra at 8.50pm, increasing the threat from “stay informed” to “emergency warning”.
The fire was travelling in an easterly direction.
Authorities said it was too late to leave as “the fire poses a threat to all lives directly in its path” and those still in the area needed to seek shelter and follow their bushfire survival plan as driving would be extremely dangerous.
READ QFES BINNA BURRA BUSHFIRE UPDATE HERE
READ QFES SARABAH BUSHFIRE UPDATE HERE
Beechmont and Binna Burra residents were told there is “no end in sight for days” as firefighters battle unprecedented bushfires tearing through the hinterland.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services assistant commissioner Kevin Walsh warned burned logs remain an active threat to homes already saved as wind conditions change rapidly.
“We still have a very dynamic fire situation in and around Binna Burra as the fires have created on top of the ridge and have moved to the other side. We are still very much in a defensive mode,” he said.
STAY INFORMED: Binna Burra bushfire as at 1am Mon 9 Sept. More: https://t.co/i8nuHFxVmk
— Qld Fire & Emergency (@QldFES) September 8, 2019
A place of refuge has been opened at the Moriarty Park Community Sports Centre, 37 Coburg Rd, Canungra.
Eleven homes have been confirmed lost to the savage fires that have torn through the areas of Sarabah, Binna Burra, Witheren, Numinbah Valley and Springbrook in the past week.
WATER BOMBERS DEPLOYED TO BINNA BURRA
RESCUE CHOPPER’S JOURNEY INTO HELL
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk declared the fires in Canungra, Sarabah and Beechmont a “disaster”, meaning employers are asked to provide emergency service leave for employees helping fight fires as volunteers.
‘HEARTBREAKING’: COUPLE GIVEN JUST 15 MINUTES TO GET OUT
Smoke is understood to remain thick in many areas and people have been advised there is a decrease in visibility and air quality.
Queensland Police have urged motorists to not take unnecessary travel through affected areas so the roads can be kept clear for emergency services.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
•Listen to your local radio station or visit the Rural Fire Service (RFS) website for regular updates.
•Put on protective clothing (e.g., a long-sleeved cotton shirt, boots with thick soles).
•Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
If you are leaving:
•Secure your pets for safe transport.
•Check for road closures and then advise family and friends of your intended travel route.
•Take your important documents and essential items (e.g., passports, birth certificates, prescription medication, food and water, and protective clothing) when you leave.
•Drive with caution in low visibility conditions.
If you are unable to leave:
•Bring pets inside; restrain them with a leash, a cage, or inside a secure room; and provide them with plenty of water.
•Move flammable materials such as doormats, wheelie bins, and outdoor furniture away from your house.
•Fill containers such as your bath, sinks, and buckets with water so you have access to drinking water and firefighting water.
•Close windows and doors, sealing the gaps under doors and screens with wet towels to keep smoke out of the house.
•If you suffer from a respiratory condition, keep your medication close by.
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