A fast-moving bushfire at the Sunshine Coast has forced the evacuations of residents, as police declared an emergency situation on Thursday afternoon.
A water-bombing helicopter and 11 fire crews were battling the fire at Sippy Downs, which started about 3.15pm near Varsity View Court and was travelling in a southerly direction.
Police closed Statesmans Road and Explorer Road, and the Queensland Fire and Emergency Service advised residents who did not have a bushfire plan or who had a plan to relocate should do so if it was safe.
Houses are being evacuated as a bushfire rages at Sippy Downs. More: https://t.co/X9D18UvUzO #7News pic.twitter.com/VYkmp5klDX
— 7 News SunshineCoast (@7NewsSC) February 2, 2017