Community applauded as Peregian bushfire brought under control
Residents in Peregian Springs, Lake Weyba, Doonan and Weyba Downs were able to return home late last night after the bushfire was brought under control and the emergency declaration was revoked, however a section of the Sunshine Motorway near Peregian Springs remains closed due to smoke hazard.
Residents in PeregianSprings, Lake Weyba, Doonan and Weyba Downs were able to return home late last night after the bushfire was brought under control and the emergency declaration was revoked, however a section of the Sunshine Motorway near Peregian Springs remains closed due to smoke hazard.
QFES and council crews will remain onsite today to clean up the area and mitigate re-ignitions, after working late last night and early this morning on back burning and building a firebreak to protect homes.
Residents are reminded to follow the advice of authorities, monitor updates on the Queensland Fire and Emergency Service (QFES) social media channels, and drive to the conditions while heavy smoke remains.
Mayor Mark Jamieson thanked the community for their cooperation and quick response to the evacuation order.
“Our community should be applauded for their outstanding response to this fire – our residents, emergency services, and council staff and contractors all played a part to bring the situation under control,” Mayor Jamieson said.
“Thank you to the residents who were impacted and evacuated for their patience and cooperation, to their friends, family and wider community who offered places to stay, and to those firefighters and council field crews who worked late into the night to back burn and build a containment line.
“This fire is a reminder of just how quickly and unexpectedly disaster could strike and that we cannot be complacent on cooler days.”
All Sunshine Coast residents are reminded to consider their ‘WHAT-IF’ plan, which involves considering potential disaster risks in your local area, preparing your household and checking on your neighbours.
It’s also important to have an emergency kit containing essential items that will equip your household should severe weather or other events cause major disruptions to essential services.
For more information please visit getready.qld.gov.au and council’s award-winning Disaster Hub website – disaster.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au – to find the latest updates, practical resources and what to do before, during and after an emergency.
You can also sign up to our Coast Alert notification service by downloading the Sunshine Coast Council app on your smart device. Make sure your notifications are enabled.
The emergency declaration was revoked at around 9pm and the evacuation centre at Coolum Civic Centre was closed soon after.
ROAD ACCESS
The Sunshine Motorway closure is from Emu Mountain Road and Walter Hay Drive to the Peregian Springs turnoff at Murdering Creek Road. Access to Peregian Springs is available via the southern entry to Peregian Springs Drive.
EARLY LEARNING CENTRE CLOSURES
For all school and early learning centre updates please visit the relevant organisation’s website.
AMBULANCE
No reported fire related injuries.