People told to flee as Qld bushfires rage
More than 30 fire crews are battling a blaze north of Brisbane as residents have been told to leave multiple areas across Queensland.
As of Wednesday afternoon there were about 70 bushfires burning across the state as Australia sweltered through its hottest day on record on Tuesday.
Areas where emergency warnings have been issued include the Sunshine Coast, Central Queensland and the Scenic Rim west of the Gold Coast.
Police have made an emergency declaration on the Sunshine Coast around Peregian Springs because of a large bushfire threatening homes.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Service said more than 30 crews were working to keep fires at Peregian Springs, Weyba Downs and Noosa Heads as conditions are expected to worsen.
Residents at Peregian Springs and Weyba Downs have been urged to evacuate, with Queensland Police door knocking in the area.
The fire is travelling northwest and may affect Lakewood Drive and Monak Road.
Residents have been told to flee along Murdering Creek Road onto the Sunshine Motorway (also known as Emu Mountain Road) and travel south-west towards Coolum.
The Sunshine Motorway has been closed both directions at the Doonan roundabout.
Fire crews have been waterbombing the large and fast-moving fire at Carneys Creek, in the Scenic Rim region.
Warnings are in place for fires at Gin Gin, Mount Maria and Lowmead in areas between Bundaberg and Gladstone.
Fires near Gladstone reportedly claimed two buildings overnight, and residents are prepared to leave their homes.
A man in his 50s received burns to his face, neck and arms while battling a blaze at Lowmead, in the Wide Bay region north of Brisbane on Tuesday afternoon.
A 60-year-old woman at the same property has burns to her face and airway, while another man in his 50s suffered respiratory issues.
All three were taken to hospital in a stable condition.
