Arson behind blaze in Obi Obi
A SUSPECTED arson attack caused a grass fire to burn out of control and threaten homes in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland on Monday.
Twenty firefighters from Kenilworth and Mapleton worked to contain the fire that blazed through a 100 ha property at Obi Obi in a matter of minutes.
The fire was believed to have started at Kidaman Creek on the corner of Hunsley and Obi Obi Rds about 11am.
It spread quickly up a steep gully towards several homes.
Crews surrounded the blaze, back-burning to stop the flames spreading further up the hill.
North Coast fire operations manager Russell Thompson said dry and gusty conditions caused the fire to spread quickly.
"Crews did have to move fast to stop the fire from spreading further," Mr Thompson said.
"If the fire had kept going the way it was, there was the potential that it could have brought a number of properties under threat," he said.
Crews continued to soak the grass after the fire was extinguished at 1pm to stop the blaze reigniting.
Mr Thompson said arson was believed to have been the cause.
"The fire service and police will be stepping up surveillance for arsonists in the coming weeks as the conditions worsen," he said.
North Coast Regional manager rural operations Peter Hollier said a high to very high forest fire danger ratings were forecast for potential vegetation fires.
"We are expecting strong winds which will bring with them very dry conditions," Mr Hollier said.
He said it crucial for residents to make sure they were doing all they could to prepare their homes and properties.
Anyone with information about the fire is asked to contact CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.
