Fire bug fears as blaze threatens beachside homes

Fears have risen that a fire bug is operating on the Noosa North Shore after four fires in separate locations erupted in the past 24 hours.

FIRE: Smoke billows from Noosa as aircrafts begin their water bombing run.

FEARS have risen that a fire bug is operating on the Noosa North Shore after four fires in separate locations erupted in the past 24 hours.

 

The North Shore is being evacuated after a blaze ignited near the First Cutting at the end of Beach Rd after another fire on Tuesday.

First officer of the North Shore Rural Brigade, Mike Hancock, said there was no reason for that many in separate locations and they could not be explained as ember sparks.

"We've got plenty of resources, but it looks like someone's lit these," Mr Hancock said.

"There was one yesterday and three today."

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services has warned conditions are now very dangerous and firefighters may soon be unable to prevent the fire advancing.

"At 11.40am Wednesday 13 November, an unpredictable fire is burning on Noosa North Shore near the First Cutting," a spokesman said. "The fire may soon impact the Wallaby Track so residents on Noosa North Shore are advised to leave immediately.

"The fire is expected to have a significant impact on the community.

"People leaving the area should take the Noosa River Ferry to Moorindil St.

"The fire may pose a threat to all lives directly in its path. Fire crews may not be able to protect your property. You should not expect a firefighter at your door: act now."

QFES said power, water, and mobile phone service may be lost and road conditions may become very dangerous over the next several hours.

Fellow North Shore resident Dave Wright, who was forced to evacuate after going to check what was happening, said police were taking phone numbers from everyone crossing back over the Noosa River to Tewantin.

Crews managed to stop a blaze this morning before it could tear up a hill to the former home of car dealer Peter Upton, which sold a year ago for $10 million.

Mr Hancock said the shifting wind now threatened to push fire towards the Wallaby Track and his own home on the river nearby.

It was rebuilt after being destroyed by fire in August 2017.

After his brigade has spent the past week fighting a fire that crossed from Johns Landing and came close to burning out Teewah Village, Mr Hancock has feared fire getting into vegetation to the south of Beach Rd.

An evacuation centre has been established at the Noosa Leisure Centre on Wallace Dr.

Originally published as Fire bug fears as blaze threatens beachside homes