They may have survived a deadly bushfire that destroyed more Queensland homes than the Black Summer disaster but residents of Tara, west of Brisbane, have been warned the most difficult period is about to begin.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
They face a long road to recovery after firefighters finally contained the Western Downs blaze that claimed a life and burned 26,000 hectares over the past week.
It was welcome good news as interstate relief crews arrived in Queensland on Thursday to help battle almost 60 fires still raging across the state, ranging from the far north to the southern border.
People west of Cairns have been told to leave after large fires threatened Jumna Dam and Innot Hot Springs, with reports two houses have been destroyed.
And "prepare to leave" warnings have been issued for residents at the Southern Downs border town of Wyberba and Carnarvon Gorge in the central highlands.
The threat appears to be over at Tara with residents allowed to return home after the ferocious fire forced hundreds to flee.
But Western Downs Mayor Paul McVeigh said the hard work was about to begin, warning it may take years to rebuild.
"The recovery is probably going to be the most difficult phase," he told AAP.
"We've had a tough 10 days. I think it gets a little tougher now, getting that recovery in place."
The Tara fire destroyed 58 homes, nine more than the 2019 Black Summer blaze claimed across Queensland.
It could have been worse - emergency services saved 387 houses.
"I think it is the largest number of homes destroyed by one fire in Queensland," Cr McVeigh said.
"The heat, the intensity, just how quickly it moved - it was very destructive."
About 50 people remain in evacuation centres beyond the green light to return.
Many have lost everything.
"The recovery will be a slow and hard one," Cr McVeigh said.
"It is probably going to take a couple of years, quite easily."
Tara resident Joanne Hill was among those who evacuated. She has been sleeping in her car after fleeing with her 81-year-old mother, a handful of clothes and her three dogs last Friday.
Ms Hill heard her neighbour had lost his property to fire but vowed to rebuild if her worst fears were confirmed upon her return.
"We don't want to go anywhere," she told AAP.
"My mum has been here for 20 years. We are Tara-ites. This is home."
About 25 caravans are set to arrive from Friday.
Accommodation is also to be constructed, with an old caravan park and the Tara showgrounds to be redeveloped.
The Tara fire was contained as 83 Victorian firefighters bolstered local crews across the state on Thursday with another 27 expected from New Zealand soon.
Weary firefighters also welcomed a cool change, with showers and storms forecast from Friday.
A high fire danger rating will remain in north Queensland with no rain forecast, and also affect the northwest, central west and Channel Country in the coming days.
Fires have forced road closures throughout the state with an emergency declaration area announced near the far north town of Innot Hot Springs.
And a 17-year-old girl has been charged with arson over multiple Gold Coast fires that flared this week.
Federal and state government financial assistance is available, with the latter pledging $1 million toward a bushfire appeal.
"It's a fantastic thing if everyone donates. Hopefully it gets to those who need it," Ms Hill said.
"But we (Tara) are a resilient little community. We will rebuild."
Australian Associated Press
