Bushfire warning level: WATCH AND ACT
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) advises there is a bushfire in Cooroibah, approaching Tewantin and Noosa North Shore and conditions could get worse.
Follow your bushfire survival plan now. If you do not have a plan, your safest option is to leave now if it is clear to do so. If you are not in the area, do not return, as conditions are too dangerous.
Currently as at 4.15am Saturday 9 November, a fire continues to travel in a southerly direction towards Tewantin and Noosa North Shore. All persons north of Cooroy Noosa Road between McKinnon Drive and Tinbeerwah Road, including Noosa Banks, are asked to leave immediately if they have not already done so. The fire continues to impact this area.
The progress of the fire has slowed in part due to a period of more favourable weather conditions. However, a forecast wind change later in the morning is expected to cause conditions to deteriorate once more. Crews remain on the fireground fighting the fire, patrolling the area and monitoring the situation.
Separate warnings are in place for the greater Tewantin area as well as Noosa North Shore. Residents in those areas must follow the directions in those warnings and authorities.
Fire crews are working to contain the fire but firefighters may not be able to protect every property. You should not expect a firefighter at your door. Power, water, and mobile phone service may be lost.
People in the area will be affected by smoke, which will reduce visibility and air quality.
Residents who have left the area should not return as conditions are too dangerous. Those leaving should travel in a southerly direction towards Noosaville. Evacuation centres have been established at The J Noosa (Noosa Drive), Nambour Showgrounds and the Christian Outreach Centre at Beckmans Road, Noosaville. Domestic animals are welcome at the Nambour Showgrounds. Noosa Library, on Wallace Drive, remains open for aged care evacuees only. Please note, Girraween Sports Complex (Eenie Creek Road) is now closed and the Noosa Leisure Centre is now at capacity.
Call Triple Zero (000) immediately if you believe you are under threat.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:
• Listen to your local radio station or visit the Rural Fire Service (RFS) website for regular updates.
• Put on protective clothing (e.g., a long-sleeved cotton shirt, boots with thick soles).
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
If you are leaving:
• Secure your pets for safe transport.
• Check for road closures and then advise family and friends of your intended travel route.
• Take your important documents and essential items (e.g., passports, birth certificates, prescription medication, food and water, and protective clothing) when you leave.
• Drive with caution in low visibility conditions.
If you are unable to leave:
• Bring pets inside; restrain them with a leash, a cage, or inside a secure room; and provide them with plenty of water.
• Move flammable materials such as doormats, wheelie bins, and outdoor furniture away from your house.
• Fill containers such as your bath, sinks, and buckets with water so you have access to drinking water and firefighting water.
• Close windows and doors, sealing the gaps under doors and screens with wet towels to keep smoke out of the house.
• If you suffer from a respiratory condition, keep your medication close by.
KEEP UP TO DATE BY:
• Following QFES on Facebook (@QldFireandRescueService) and Twitter (@QldFES)
• Staying tuned to your local radio station. Find your local ABC radio station at https://radio.abc.net.au/help/offline and your local commercial radio station at http://www.commercialradio.com.au/find-a-station/queensland;
• Visiting the Rural Fire Service (RFS) website at www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au/map
FURTHER INFORMATION:
• For bushfire preparation tips, visit the RFS website: www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au/BushFire_Safety
• For information about road closures, call 13 19 40 or visit www.qldtraffic.qld.gov.au
The next update will be provided when the situation changes.
