Plumes of smoke west of Brisbane after grassfire

A smoke warning has been issued Monday afternoon for suburbs southwest of Brisbane after a large grassfire in Blackstone at Ipswich.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services warned those around Blackwater near Ipswich should avoid smoke after a grass fire broke out Monday at 1.15pm near Austin Drive at Redbank Plains.

Smoke warning issued for areas around Blackwater near Ipswich as fire can be seen next to the Cunningham Highway. Photo: Ipswich Metal Recycling

At 4pm they said four crews including two Rural Fire Service were battling the blaze as large amounts of smoke billowed across the region.

Smoke warning issued for areas around Blackwater near Ipswich as fire can be seen next to the Cunningham Highway. Photo: Ipswich Metal Recycling

Steep terrain caused the fire to spread to Cunningham Highway near Whitwood Rd at Blackstone, causing a traffic hazard.

Police urged drivers to use caution as smoke reduced vision, creating hazardous conditions for motorists and crews working alongside the highway.

Smoke warning issued for areas around Blackwater near Ipswich as fire can be seen next to the Cunningham Highway. Photo: Ipswich Metal Recycling

Pictures from the scene show fire along the highway with thick smoke stretching across the both sides of the road detailing just how low vision was for motorists.

Smoke warning issued for areas around Blackwater near Ipswich as fire can be seen next to the Cunningham Highway. Photo: Ipswich Metal Recycling

At 5.11pm QFES said that while the fire was contained it was expected to burn for some time, warning surrounding residents to monitor air quality, stay indoors, close windows and if required keep respiratory medication close by.

They added they were still on scene at 6.30pm but there was no threat to property.

Smoke warning issued for areas around Blackwater near Ipswich as fire can be seen next to the Cunningham Highway. Photo: Ipswich Metal Recycling