At least 32 homes have been destroyed by multiple fires burning across Queensland this week.
Thunderstorms and lightning strikes ignited new fires overnight in the state’s south.
Rural Fire Service Superintendent Wayne Waltisbuhl said it was a “tough night” for emergency services.
“Every resource we have available in our region was deployed last night to try and contain multiple lightning strikes across the region and try and contain the current fires that we had,” he said.
More than 30 homes and multiple other structures have been destroyed by bushfires in a small town in Queensland’s Western Downs, fire authorities confirmed today.
The 32 homes and 17 sheds and other buildings were destroyed after fires at Tara, about 300km south-west of Brisbane, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services said.
The blaze covers an area of 20,000 hectares.
The fires have also claimed a life in the Western Downs region.
Glenda Chapman suffered a heart attack while attempting to evacuate.
It is believed the 73-year-old was visiting family from New South Wales at the time.
Thunderstorms and lightning strikes have sparked new fires across northern New South Wales while heavy rain has doused other fire grounds in the state.
The severe weather rolled across the state’s north on Thursday, starting as many as 30 new blazes.
Meanwhile, heavy rain has drenched towns on the Mid-North Coast including Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour overnight.
Lismore and Casino have also seen large totals.
Sky News Meteorologist Rob Sharpe confirmed there was more rain on the way for the region on Wednesday.
“Some totals all up for the event could exceed 100 millimetres now … but by tonight most of that wet weather should be off the coast.”
(Sky News)
