Bushfires claim 10 houses on Sunshine Coast as mass evacuation ordered

Police have declared a bushfire emergency situation at Peregian Springs north of the Sunshine Coast.

Conditions are getting worse at a bushfire in Peregian Springs, Peregian Beach, Peregian Breeze Estate and Marcus Beach.

The emergency zone, declared at 7.08pm Monday, is bounded by Old Emu Mountain Road, David Low Way, the Sunshine Coast Motorway and Podargus Parade.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services says the safest option for people is to leave, if it is clear to do so, and stay away.

Just after 7pm, the fast-moving fire was travelling east, north-east from Emu Mountain Road and expected to hit Peregian Beach and Marcus Beach.

The police declared emergency zone is bounded by Old Emu Mountain Road, David Low Way, the Sunshine Coast Motorway and Podargus Parade.

Authorities confirmed on Monday evening that at least 10 homes had been lost in the blaze that tore through Peregian Beach.

Houses affected were believed to be on Lorikeet Drive and Jacana Street, with the local fire station also suspected to have burned, according to the Courier Mail.

Police are urging residents within the area to self-evacuate and for anyone outside the zone to avoid travel to the area.

An evacuation centre has been established at the Coolum Surf Life Saving Club.

Coolum Beach State High School and Peregian Springs State School will be closed on Tuesday, Tweed Daily News reports.

Those in Castaways Beach, Sunrise Beach, Sunshine Beach, Noosa Springs, Noosa Heads and Noosa Junction are being urged to get ready to evacuate.

The Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) also advised those in O’Reilly at 8.30pm to leave immediately due to a bushfire approaching Lamington National Park Road.

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