Firefighters from across Qld brace for ongoing battle in hinterland

Firefighters like Birnam Rural Fire Brigade’s Sarah Martin have flocked to the Scenic Rim to back up their fatigued colleagues.

HUNDREDS of firefighters and dozens of trucks have been deployed to the Gold Coast hinterland in an attempt to quash a bushfire which has already destroyed 10 homes.

About 400 firefighters have been on the ground fighting the fires in the Scenic Rim, assisted by 150 heavy vehicles.

Some firefighters from hinterland brigades have been battling the blaze for days, toiling in hot, sunny weather to protect their community.

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Firefighter Sarah Martin of Birnam Rural Fire Brigade said the community's support has been heartwarming. Picture: Luke Mortimer

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Sarah Martin of Birnam Rural Fire Brigade was tasked to help tackle the bushfire on Tuesday.

Birnam is about 23km northwest of Canungra.

She returned again on Saturday to help give her exhausted colleagues a welcome break.

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“There’s been a lot of crews from everywhere across southeast Queensland who’ve come in to help with this fire and a lot of crews have done a lot of hours on the ground,” she said.

“Canungra is a small town and everyone knows everyone. It’s pretty emotional when houses are lost.

“We’re just here now to help out where we can.”

Ms Martin said she was proud of her colleagues who “committed the time to come out”.

“And the community as well, they’ve played a massive part in rallying behind the firefighters and supporting us being in their town,” she said.

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Firefighters have been stretched thin across the hinterland, despite hundreds arriving from out of the region to help local brigades. Picture: Nigel Hallett

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“They’ve stayed out of the way and let us get on with our jobs, provided food and water.

“It’s really heartwarming to see.”

Ms Martin said Tuesday’s conditions had been “fairly benign”, but the situation gradually deteriorated.

“We had a few wind changes causing some havoc, but it’s just gotten worse as the week has gone on,” she said.

Ms Martin said strong winds whipped up Friday had continued on Saturday.

“Challenges today would be the winds and access to the fire,” she said.

“It’s up in steep terrain which is difficult to get to.”

Ms Martin expected a frantic day on the job.

On Saturday, Rural Fire Service Incident Controller Kaye Healing said crews could be battling the bushfire into the start of next week and beyond.