380 hectares destroyed, residents evacuated as police investigate ‘suspicious’ cause
POLICE are investigating a blaze that burned through 380 hectares of hinterland forestry and forced the evacuation of a number of properties over the weekend.
Emergency services received a call at 1.40pm on Saturday (Oct 21), advising of a fire near Roys and Old Roys Rd at Beerwah.
The blaze rapidly escalated into a full blown emergency with a ‘leave now’ alert issued at about 2pm on Saturday, for properties on Mawsons and Holt roads.
By 9pm the fire had burned through 130 hectares and continued to burn through the weekend.
Around seven aircraft and dozens of ground crew fought the blaze, which also caused the temporary closure of a single northbound lane on the Bruce Highway.
By Saturday evening the fire was downgraded by QFES to ‘Stay Informed’. On Sunday residents were advised to avoid smoke by staying inside and closing windows and doors. No properties were at risk as of Monday morning.
Police are now appealing for anyone who saw anything suspicious on Mawsons Rd before the fire started to contact them.
While crews worked through Sunday night, QFES told GC&M News that the fire was burning within containment lines. “Crews did a fantastic job bringing multiple serious fires under control at the weekend,” QFES said.
“About 38 crews and seven aircraft were involved at the height of the (Beerwah) fire, which burnt through about 380 hectares. Thankfully, it’s under control and residents have been allowed to return home.”
It is the second major fire in the area in weeks.
About 170 hectares were destroyed in early October, with police continuing to investigate the cause.
QFES this week identified high risk areas across the state.
Areas in the hinterland, particularly west of Maleny were identified as of particular concern.
Main image: QFES. Inset images: QFES, Lewis Kwarcianyi, Sonia Isaacs
