Fast-moving fire destroyed 610 hectares, forced evacuations
SPECIALIST arson detectives are investigating the source of multiple fires that tore through the hinterland over the weekend, destroying over 600 hectares of forestry and threatened the town of Landsborough.
Detectives from the Crime and Intelligence Command and Sunshine Coast detectives have now joined forces to investigate the origin of a fire that is believed to have started in a HQ Plantations forestry about 12.20pm on Saturday (Oct 28).
The fire rapidly spread and an emergency declaration was made about 7.30pm that evening before being revoked about 10pm.
A QFES spokesperson confirmed a Triple 0 notification was received alerting authorities to a fire activity near Roys Road and Dianella Road Beerwah.
Dry and windy conditions saw the fire rapidly escalate with over 50 crews from the Rural Fire Brigade, Queensland Fire and Rescue Service, as well as HQP and QPWS personnel battling to contain the intensifying blaze.
Seven aerial response aircraft were also deployed.
Landsborough resident, Callum Sharpe, said his property was only metres from bushland and only a change in wind direction saved his and other properties.
“It was touch and go there for a while!” he said.
“At around 7.30pm it was looking like we were definitely in the firing line and with all the embers and ash blowing into our yard it was stressful but luckily at the last minute the winds changed.
“A lot goes through your mind and you definitely start to think the worst. I’m not an overly emotional person but it all happened really quickly.”
Mr Sharpe said QPS had door knocked the area advising residents to prepare to leave before declaring an emergency situation at around 7.30pm under the Public Safety Preservation Act for the area around Steve Irwin Way, Hardwood Rd, Forestry Rd and Dianella Rd. A QFES spokesperson said the fire (on Monday Oct 30) was now within containment lines and a total fire ban had been issued for the Sunshine Coast Region until November 6.
Speaking with GC&M News, a HQP spokesperson said
the fire was initially detected by a HQ Plantations lookout in the Landsborough Logging Area from its Beerburrum tower at 12.20pm.
HQP firefighters in light attack vehicles were onsite by 12.45pm and were joined shortly afterwards by QFES.
HQP initially deployed 30 specialist forest firefighters on site yesterday and overnight, while 42 were on site Sunday from Beerburrum district and neighbouring HQP districts Blackbutt, Imbil, Toolara and Tuan.
A HQP spokesperson said a full investigation will be initiated once conditions are safe.
The extent of damage to plantations is yet to be finalised but is likely to be significant, further compromising future supplies of timber for the SE Queensland building industry, a HQP spokesperson said.
“We would like the public’s help to stop these arson attacks and are appealing to the public to report any suspicious activity or information about these fires or the arsonist to PoliceLink 131 444 or anonymously to Crime Stoppers QLD 1800 333 000,” they said.
Beerwah Rural Fire Brigade said it was a “valiant effort” by those involved.
“A super human effort from local Rural Fire Volunteer crews, QFRS and HQ Plantations were able to pull it up before it crossed Steve Irwin Way into Landsborough properties,” they said.
“No houses or lives lost – an amazing team effort defending our communities.”
Federal Member for Fisher, Andrew Wallace, said: “I want to thank all the firefighters, police officers, paramedics, volunteers, and support staff who have been working tirelessly to protect and assist our communities.
Image: Judy Mraz
