Coonarr, Qld bushfire: Residents told to return home with caution

Residents forced to evacuate from a bushfire have been told they can return home “with caution” amid fears it could burn for days.

Residents in Queensland’s Bundaberg region are able to return home “with caution” just two hours after they were instructed to flee from a fast-moving bushfire burning across the area.

Issuing an alert just after 1pm, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) ordered residents of Coonarr, a small town, to evacuate.

The evacuation notice covered properties between Gulchert Drive, Coonarr Rd, Gum Tree Court, Oak Ave, including Olive Tree Court, Ferntree Drive and Palm Beach Drive.

A fire is still burning in the Bundaberg region. Picture: QFES

“The fire in the Burrum Coast National Park is still burning,” QFES said in a statement at 2.15pm.

“It is travelling towards Palm Beach Rd.

“If you left the area, it is not safe to return.”

NOT SAFE TO RETURN - Coonarr (near Bundaberg) - Multiple Warnings - fire as at 2:15pm Monday, 11 September 2023.
For all current warnings, updates and mapping go to https://t.co/vqyJTUPBhe. pic.twitter.com/4QwkRFUCJX

— Qld Fire & Emergency (@QldFES) September 11, 2023

Firefighters and firefighting aircraft worked to contain the blaze, with QFES updating its safety advice to “return with caution” just after 3pm. 

“The fire in the Burrum Coast National Park is now burning in containment lines and will continue to burn for several days,” QFES said in a statement.

“It is travelling slowly‎ towards Palm Beach Rd (and) firefighters are on site.

“If you left the area, you can return with caution.”

RETURN WITH CAUTION - Coonarr (near Bundaberg) - Multiple Warnings - fire as at 3:10pm Monday, 11 September 2023.
For all current warnings, updates and mapping go to https://t.co/vqyJTUPBhe. pic.twitter.com/Y85oH5ZbxC

— Qld Fire & Emergency (@QldFES) September 11, 2023

QFES first issued the evacuation notice at 1pm, warning of the “fast-moving fire” burning in Burrum Coast National Park.

“It is expected to impact Palm Beach Rd within the next hour. Leave immediately,” the warning stated.

“Your life could be at risk. It will soon be too dangerous to drive.

“Conditions could get worse quickly and properties may be impacted.

“Firefighters may not be able to stop the fire from getting closer. Do not expect a firefighter at your door.

“Power, water, and mobile phone services may stop working soon.

“Smoke will make it hard to see and breathe. The smoke will sting your eyes.”

QFES has urged locals to avoid driving on Palm Beach Rd, Herbert Hall Rd and Gulchert Drive and to continually check the QFES website for updates.

No properties were in danger as of 3pm; however, firefighters have urged community members to check in on one another if safe to do so and keep important medications on hand.

Originally published as Coonarr, Qld bushfire: Residents told to return home with caution