Authorities Plead With Residents Around Central QLD Bushfires To Follow Evacuation Advice

"We're expecting a firestorm."


Article heading image for Authorities Plead With Residents Around Central QLD Bushfires To Follow Evacuation Advice

Pic: Facebook/Glenn Butcher

Queensland authorities are "extremely concerned" about the bushfire situation on the state's central coast, claiming many residents are putting their lives at risk by ignoring their advice to evacuate.

A 'Leave Immediately' warning has been issued for Deepwater, Baffle Creek, Rules Beach and Oyster Creek, with fire crews expecting the blaze to breach containment lines this afternoon as westerly winds roll through the region.

Police Deputy Commissioner Bob Gee confirmed on Wednesday morning that about 50 people, most in the Rules Beach area, were refusing to flee.

"Once those containment lines are breached, police will have to withdraw, they will not be able to help you," he said.

"There will be no way out by road; the beach may not be a safe option; there is no replacing loved ones."

As of 10am, Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Craig Crawford said most residents only had a 60-90 minute window of opportunity to leave.

"As an old Victorian firefighter I saw Ash Wednesday, they are the kinds of conditions we are looking at today," he said.

"Leave now; once the fire arrives you will not be able to defend your properties, we are expecting a firestorm."

It is likely police will forcibly remove people from homes for their own safety.

Keep up with the latest bushfire advice from QFES on their website.

28 November 2018




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