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Bushfires take their toll
Bushfires take their toll
By Greg Brown
Although the bushfire conditions last week were extreme and fires raged through the Peregian area, thankfully our local region escaped similar devastating impacts.
A serious fire at Tunnel Ridge Road sadly resulted in the loss of two sheds and a storage container where Brendan Donahoo, Sarah Foreman and their three children had everything in storage while house renovations were being undertaken.
As a consequence, the local family lost all their possessions – furniture, kids clothing and sentimental keepsakes … everything.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the couple recover – go to www.gofundme.com/f/ young-family-has-lost-all-to-blazing-fire.
Elsewhere, fires at Mt Mellum, Peachester and Beerburrum resulted in no property damage.
The Maleny, Glass House, Beerwah and Peachester Rural Fire Brigades were an integral part of the fire fighting efforts locally as well as supporting other crews at Peregian and other locations around South East Queensland.
With Queensland continuing to experience extreme and dangerous fire conditions throughout the state, police are reminding the public of the dangers of lighting fires or committing acts of arson.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has encouraged Queenslanders to donate to help people affected by the Queensland bushfires.
The Queensland Government has kick-started the fund raising with a $100,000 contribution.
Financial donations can be made to www. redcross.org.au/disaster, www.salvos.org.au (disaster relief), Lifeline Queensland on 1800 961 881 and www.vinnies.org.au/donate. Donations can also be made via Givit – www.givit.org.au.
“I thank fire crews, police, emergency authorities, volunteers and support organisations for their outstanding efforts in protecting our communities so far,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“Now it’s time to dig deep for people who’ve lost homes or other property.
“We need the public to remain vigilant, report fires early and follow the advice of Queensland Fire and Emergency Services and other authorities.
“This is the first time we’ve experienced conditions like this so early in the season and the bushfire threat will be with us for several months,” the Premier said.
