1,000 firefighters battle massive bush fires raging in eastern Australia

More than 130 fires are raging in the states of Queensland and New South Wales, fuelled by strong winds and a prolonged drought

Firefighters worked through the night into Tuesday to save homes from the flames, supported by water-bombing aircraft

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A firefighter battles the flames during a large bush fire in northern New South Wales on Tuesday. Photo: DPA

Published: 4:20pm, 10 Sep 2019Updated: 12:29pm, 11 Sep 2019

Massive bush fires across eastern Australia could be blazing for weeks, authorities warned on Tuesday, as firefighters launched “Herculean” efforts to save homes from destruction.

More than 130 fires are raging in the states of Queensland and New South Wales, fuelled by strong winds and a prolonged drought, in an unusually ferocious and early start to the bush fire season.

Hundreds were evacuated after a fresh fire broke out on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, where video footage showed a huge blaze tearing through forests and glowing embers raining down.

About 1,000 firefighters battled through the night to contain the blazes across Queensland.

“Last night’s Herculean efforts resulted in nothing short of a miracle,” Queensland acting Premier Jackie Trad told reporters.

A firefighter walks near a blazing bush fire in Clarence Valley on Tuesday. Photo: DPA

Just one home had been lost in the area, Trad said, but firefighters continued to battle the flames on Tuesday amid strengthening winds, supported by water-bombing aircraft.