Queensland’s Lockyer Valley has been described as a “burning cauldron” with bushfires tearing through 10,000 hectares but miraculously only claiming one house.
But Lockyer Valley Mayor Tanya Milligan says the town of Laidley, 80 kilometres west of Brisbane, is counting its blessings despite fire having torn through about 10,000 hectares.
Just one home was lost to the bushfires whipped up by dry winds.
Cr Milligan, who is yet to find out how bad the fire damage is at her own home, “It was either a bit of luck or extremely wonderful management — probably a bit of both,” Cr Milligan told AAP.
About 30 fires continue to burn across Queensland on Wednesday as emergency crews hope rains forecast for Friday and Saturday will offer a brief reprieve to the unprecedented start to bushfire season.