Queensland Fires: Gold Coast Hinterland residents at Wongawallan asked to prepare to leave as ferocious fire burns

A large bushfire burning on the Gold Coast has had its status downgraded after residents were advised to ‘be ready to leave,’ as firefighters battle multiple blazes across the region.

8PM UPDATE:

Two large fires burning in the Gold Coast hinterland have taken hours for firefighters to get under control.

Wongawallan and Oxenford residents were issued a notice to prepare to leave just before 5pm.

The Wongawallan blaze was under control by 5.30pm, while the Oxenford fire was finally deemed under control just before 7pm.

Coomera Valley Rural Fire Brigade posted to Facebook warning locals to remain vigilant and that embers travelling in high winds could create spot fires.

The rural crew will switch out at 10pm after hours of battling the blaze.

EARLIER:

Residents in parts of Wongawallan and Oxenford have been told to prepare to leave their homes after a series of fast-moving bush fires broke out this afternoon.

Firefighters were called to a blaze near Elevation Dr about 2.20pm this afternoon where they continue to battle the inferno.

When called to the scene it was reported the fire was 500m by 30m on bushland.

Seven fire crews are currently at the scene.

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Photos of smoke rising over Oxenford taken via drone. Photo: Brent Simpson

No homes have been affected by the blaze, but residents have been issued a notice to prepare to leave.

“Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) advises there is a bushfire in Wongawallan and conditions could get worse,” a QFES statement read.

“You need to be ready to follow your bushfire survival plan. 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.”

A statement from QFES warning of the bushfire at Wongawallan.

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QFES report that the fire is travelling in an east/south-easterly direction from Elevation Drive towards Tamborine Oxenford Road.

They also advise the fire is “likely to impact” Elevation Drive, Tamborine Oxenford Road, Jourdana Drive and Howard Creek Place in coming hours.

Just before 5pm QFES issued a second warning, this time for Oxenford.

As at 5.10pm Wednesday, 28 November, a bushfire is travelling in a easterly direction from the corner of Yallaroi Road and Kopps Road towards Sturt Street, Bass Court, Woodbridge Place, Davis Cup Court, McNamara Court, Hopman Court and Wimbledon Way in Oxenford. https://t.co/s4A9LdYDO1

— Queensland Police (@QldPolice) November 28, 2018

The alert warned that as at 4.55pm “a bushfire is travelling in a easterly direction from the corner of Yallaroi Road and Kopps Road towards Sturt Street, Bass Court and surrounding streets in Oxenford.”

Residents in the area are also advised to be ready to leave quickly if necessary.

A number of other small fires broke out in Hinterland areas this afternoon as the Coast experiences a deadly combination of wind and high temperatures.

Norwell:

A fire has been contained by crews at Norwell Rd, inland of Jacobs Well and Coomera.

One crew arrived on scene at 3.15pm and the small fire was extinguished within 15 minutes.

Mt Tamborine:

Firefighters attended a fire that was burning on around half an acre of land. They received the call to Williamson Rd around 3.30pm.

It is reported the grass fire was contained by about 4pm.

Yatala:

A small fire was reported to be burning in a small area of bush on Pearson Road.

One crew was on scene at 2.30, but extinguished the fire in 20 minutes.