‘Prepare now:’ Residents told to get ready to leave homes as bushfires burn in Queensland

Residents in parts of Queensland have been told to prepare to leave their homes, as bushfires raging east of Bundaberg could quickly worsen.

The Queensland Fire Department has issued watch-and-act warnings for people in Nearum, Horsecamp, Doughboy, and Takilberan as of late Tuesday morning.

Authorities are warning some properties are at risk and residents should “prepare now so (they) can leave quickly if the bushfire gets close”.

“Conditions could get worse quickly,” the warning reads.

“Firefighters are working to contain the fire. You should not expect a firefighter at your door.”

Firefighters are working across several locations in Central Queensland, with fires expected to impact communities later on Tuesday.

Residents have been told to try to put embers, which may reach properties, out quickly with water.

Roads could close or be impacted as the fire moves, as well as power, water and telecommunication services.

A total fire ban has been in place since last week for the area, which affects residents in South Burnett, Cherbourg, Gympie, Fraser Coast, Bundaberg, North Burnett, Gladstone and Banana.

A QFD spokesman said the conditions were perfect for bushfires to ignite and spread quickly.

A spokesman said open fires were prohibited and all permits to light fire in the designated areas have been suspended for the duration of the ban.

Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) senior meteorologist Dean Narramore said above-average temperatures and heat would continue in the fire-affected regions all week.

Mr Narramore said windier conditions were forecast on Wednesday, with the threat of thunderstorms and lightning in Queensland on Thursday and Friday.

He said bushfires extended from Emerald all the way down to just northwest of Wide Bay, about 250km north of Brisbane.

“Unfortunately, we’re looking at this dry and breezy pattern continuing through much of central and southeastern Queensland this week with above-average temperatures,” he said.

“Light to moderate winds are also elevating the fire danger.

“Unfortunately, the heat’s going to stick around for much of the week until at least the weekend.”

BOM predicts temperatures will soar to 10C above-average through Central and southeast Queensland with a long stretch in the low to mid 30s for many areas, creating good fire conditions.

“The worst thing, and the most important thing for fires, is wind,” Mr Narramore said.

“There’s not much today, but we are going to see wind increasing tomorrow, with maybe more moderate winds that can lead to elevated fire dangers.

“All southern central and southeast Queensland is looking at high fire dangers on Wednesday.”

Mr Narramore said light winds should return on Thursday and Friday, but the heat would still linger bringing showers and thunderstorms to Central parts of the state.

“While the rain might be good, the lightning could spark more fires, so that’s a risk as we get into Thursday, but more so Friday and Saturday,” he said.

“It could bring relief for some areas, but lightning could start more fires, and some will miss out altogether.”