Additional fire crews have been deployed to a blaze in southeast Queensland where authorities have told residents to seek shelter.
One shed has been destroyed while homes and other properties are under threat from the grassfire near Boonah, west of the Gold Coast.
Authorities have issued an emergency alert for Mount French with residents told to seek shelter immediately.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Service warnings are current for properties between Mount French Road, Sommers Road and Frenches Creek Road including Schubel Road.
The fire is being fanned by high winds, with QFES ground crews at the scene along with police and the Queensland Ambulance Service.
Water bombers and other aircraft are helping to tackle the blaze, with a number of more firefighting crews on the way.
“Do not try to leave. Driving now could be deadly,” the QFES said on Friday afternoon in an alert to people in the area.
Residents are urged to shelter inside either a brick building, a room with multiple escape points on the opposite side from the fire, or at the safest point possible as the fire approaches and passes.
Firefighters cannot contain the blaze and residents should not expect emergency personnel at their door.
“Thick smoke will make it hard to see and breathe, and it will sting your eyes,” the QFES alert said.
“It will be very hot and loud. You may hear explosions nearby. The sky will be dark.”
Source: AAP
