Firefighters slow down Sunshine Coast blaze but fire threat remains
Queensland fire crews have managed to slow the dangerous fire on the Sunshine Coast that forced thousands of people to flee their homes.
Weather conditions had begun easing but there was no promise of any relief from the high fire danger warnings across Queensland as bushfires continued to ravage the state.
Bureau of Meteorology's senior forecaster Gabriel Branescu said windy conditions would improve on Wednesday and Thursday but the fire threat was still very high.
“The winds overnight are still moving southerly but humidity is on the rise as a result of onshore wind flow that is bringing some extra moisture on the south-east coast and inland," he said.
"There is not much but tomorrow, short winds will bring very high fire danger ratings."
About 2500 properties and 5000 residents were evacuated on Monday and firefighters were working on an "aerial assault strategy" on Tuesday.
A 737 air tanker containing 15,000 litres of fire-retardant gel was tasked to battle the Sunshine Coast blaze before it would be flown back to New South Wales.
Beechmont State School, Numinbah Valley Environment Education Centre and Numinbah Valley State School and 21 early childhood education and care services will be closed tomorrow.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced she would return early from her trip in Switzerland after meetings about a potential Olympics bid.
Another bushfire at Weyba Downs had residents on high alert preparing to leave as the situation worsened.
Evacuation centres were open for people travelling north at the Cooroy Library (located at 9 Maple Street, Cooroy), Noosa Leisure Centre (9 Wallace Drive, Noosaville) and The J Noosa (60 Noosa Drive, Noosa Junction).
On Tuesday afternoon, Deputy Premier Jackie Trad said the wind that was increasing would pose a threat.
“Whilst these conditions persist, it is incredibly important that people remain alert to emergency announcements and to head those announcements and take action,” she said.
“Last night's efforts were nothing short than herculean and the outcome is nothing short of a miracle.
“The fact that we had such a strong firestorm in such a heavily populated part of the Sunshine Coast that resulted in no fatalities, no missing persons, one destroyed home and one damaged home is nothing short of a miracle.”
Ms Trad credited communities who were listening to the warnings.