Scenic Rim mayor says about 5500 hectares damaged in Canungra fires

RESIDENTS are urged to stay informed about fires still burning around the Scenic Rim and Gold Coast hinterland.

The bushfire warning is at advice level for blazes near Lower Beechmont, O'Reilly, Illinbah, Sarabah and Binna Burra.

Residents need to keep up to date and decide what actions to take if the situation changes.

Blazes are burning in Lamington National Park travelling in a north easterly direction towards Nerang Murwillumbah Road in the Numinbah Valley and near Lamington National Park Road, between Sarabah Road and Kamarun Lookout Road.

Crews are also monitoring a blaze moving east towards Lower Beechmont, which is currently burning in inaccessible land.

Properties are not under direct threat at this time.

People in the area may be affected by smoke, reducing visibility and air quality. Call Triple Zero if you believe your property is under threat.

EARLIER

DISPLACED residents are preparing to return to their homes after an ease in fires conditions around the Canungra region today.

Scenic Rim mayor Greg Christensen said about five serious fire fronts were still burning, with 20 areas of smoke being monitored for flare-ups.

However, most residents had been told that they were able to return home, with Lamington National Park Road reopened to the public.

Cr Christensen said residents around Timbarra Drive were still being escorted by police to assess their properties.

"If they choose to come out and return to refuge, some won't have a choice. For others, they may well decide that it's time for them to return and start to put their life in order," he said.

QFES Assistant Commissioner Kevin Walsh said firefighters would spend the coming days strengthening containment lines before conditions changed again at the end of the week.

"There are still a couple of aspects of the fire that concern us but due to the easing of the conditions this afternoon and...better conditions for the next two days, that's certainly contributed to the ability for us to return the residents to their homes," he said.

Cr Christensen said it was humbling and gut-wrenching to fly over the affected areas today, with an estimated 5500 hectares damaged in the vicious blazes.

He urged residents to remain vigilant.

"This is not over," he said.

Residents can access social workers, insurance counsel and other services at the Moriarty Park refuge centre.

Read more fire coverage here.