Qld fires spurred on by arsonists

Suspicion that arsonists may have been behind a series of spot fires near Rockhampton in central Queensland, lit while firefighters were battling a "terrifying" wildfire, has fuelled community anger.

Queensland Fire and Rescue Service assistant acting commissioner Paul Adcock yesterday said many spot fires at Tanby, north of Rockhampton, may have been deliberately lit.

"The fact that fire is all over the place and has been all over the place in the last week has made fire control investigators suspicious," he said.

QFRS assistant commissioner Neil Gallant said the service would investigate claims of arson and ask police to take action where appropriate.

Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor Brad Carter said he'd come across a number of suspicious fires and the idea that arsonists were behind a number of the fires started, dampened a successful community response to the threat.

"It just makes me so angry – it is so disappointing to see that behaviour occurring in this community," he said.

"It's a great community and it has worked together extremely well today."

More than 100 homes were threatened by the fires but amazingly, only one home, on Rockhampton's outskirts, was destroyed by the fires.

Dozens more houses suffered minor damage and hundreds of families were forced to evacuate on a weekend of high drama across the district.

Acting Premier Andrew Fraser said it was remarkable more homes had not been lost.

"There is every reason for all of us to be hugely grateful for the fantastic efforts of the fire service and the volunteers in Central Queensland," he said.

"It is a miracle that more homes weren't lost."

By 10pm last night (local time) the fires appeared to be under control, with hundreds of dwellings saved by the efforts of over 150 firefighters, along with the help of police and home owners.

The city and surrounding communities remain on high alert with no let-up expected today and the temperature expected to be above 30 degrees again.

While no-one was letting their guard down last night there was a sense of relief.

By late yesterday afternoon authorities were letting people return to their home believing the worst was over for the day.

Kellie McGuinness and her partner Ian Poulton said they would return home today after their rented Koongal home went up in flames.

McGuinness said she had watched the flames approach on Saturday until they sounded like a "jumbo jet" taking off.

"We got out but everything is gone," she said.

"And we have got three kids so it's pretty tough."

Robert Geebung who spent Saturday night in a hotel was back defending his five-bedroom home with a garden hose yesterday morning reported Courier Mail.

He said he was ready to flee at a moment's notice but, after spending thousands of dollars on recent renovations, was desperate to save the family home.

He said his idea was to "stay as long as possible until they (firefighters) tell me to go".

Acting Premier Andrew Fraser said the danger appeared to have eased but it was important people continued to follow directions from authorities.

"We have been very lucky not to have more loss of property, very lucky not to have loss of life," he said.

The current dry climate conditions in south-east Queensland means the threat of bushfires this season is high.

QFRS Assistant Commissioner for the central region Neil Gallant said conditions were among the worst the region had seen.

A total fire ban runs until midnight tonight and may be extended.

- NZ HERALD STAFF