Sunshine Coast bushfire may destroy property, firefighters warn
Fast-moving blaze approaching Coolum Beach, watch and act alert says – ‘Residents are strongly advised to leave now’
A fast-moving bushfire at Coolum on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast may destroy property, firefighters have warned.
Residents in the vicinity of Doonan Bridge Road and Arcoona Road have been told to enact their bushfire plans.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services says firefighters are having difficulty controlling the blaze, which was moving quickly and expected to impact Doonan Bridge Road early on Thursday evening.
“The fire is expected to impact on the Coolum Beach community and there is a chance that some property may be lost,” a watch and act alert said. “Power, water and mobile phone supplies may be lost in the area over the next several hours.
“Residents are strongly advised to leave now if their plan is to do so or if they don’t have a plan.”
Earlier on Thursday, police shut the Sunshine Motorway in both directions after flames jumped the road. Workers at nearby facilities were evacuated when the blaze started burning in close proximity to the gas depot.
The fire started in a national park before breaking containment lines, with emergency services alerted about 1pm.
Police have declared an exclusion zone and were assisting with evacuations on Arcoona and Doonan Bridge roads. The zone encompasses David Low Way, Springfield Avenue, Cinnamon Avenue, Park Crescent and Coolum Yandina Road.
Online Source: The Guardian
