A bushfire which threatened homes at Peregian Beach has been downgraded as water-bombing helps Queensland firefighters contain the blaze.
Panicked residents were forced to evacuate for the second time this bushfire season as the fire burned on a wide front in national parkland near their homes on the Sunshine Coast.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk was concerned for the residents' welfare after several homes were lost and bushland destroyed in September.
"I know that after the ordeal of the September firestorm in this area, residents will be worried for their properties," the premier said.
"But I urge everyone to please listen to advice and do everything to stay safe."
Weather conditions are favourable and the bushfire is contained in national parkland, the premier said.
Police had declared an emergency for an area bounded by Woodland Drive to Stumers Creek Road, David Low Way and the Sunshine Coast Motorway.
But a 'leave now" warning has been downgraded to watch and act for what is now a slow-moving fire that's travelling north-west from Stumers Creek, and along the coastline to the east of David Low Way.
Huge plumes of smoke from the 100 metre wide fire forced the closure of David Lowe Way which remains closed between Havana Road East and Emu Mountain Road.
The fire also cut access to Coolum State High School, which remains closed.
An evacuation centre is open at Noosa Leisure Centre.
