This evening, the emergency warning was reduced to an advisory level, allowing residents to cautiously return to their homes. Earlier, the situation had been perilous, endangering lives and properties, with at least six homes sustaining minor damage.

This afternoon, a rapidly advancing and fierce blaze approached dangerously close to residential areas, coming within meters of several homes.

A massive plume of thick black smoke was visible from high above the rooftops, casting a dark shadow over the area.

As the fire approached, roads became congested with residents hastily loading their vehicles to evacuate.

Although the Tonkin Highway experienced a temporary closure, it was reopened by nightfall, restoring access to the area.

Most of the fire was put out within an hour as crews in the air and on the ground worked together.

The speed of the fire, which came dangerously close to homes, left residents frightened.

“It’s crazy. It’s literally, absolutely crazy, because it shows you how fast anything of a fire can go,” Troy Harding said.

Fire authorities said the blaze burned three hectares and caused damage to six to eight properties, including destroying fences and a backyard gazebo.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

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