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Queensland authorities on high alert as strong winds, high temperatures increase fire danger
More than 60 bushfires are burning across Queensland and there are concerns they could erupt today due to scorching temperatures and strong winds creating catastrophic conditions. A total of 188 fire crews are battling to keep the fires under control. ROLLING COVERAGE
60 fires burning across Queensland, at least at 'watch and act' level and six at 'stay informed'
Main areas of concern are the Scenic Rim, west of Yeppoon and in the Lockyer Valley
9 homes destroyed, 100,000ha of land razed
Rising temperatures and strong winds expected to raise fire warning level from severe to extreme
Health warning over southeast smoke haze, with major Brisbane CBD project shut down
Thousands of troops on standby to replace exhausted fire crews
CONFUSING wind patterns, hot weather and no rain in sight will make firefighters' jobs all the harder in battling the blazes gripping the state.
Currently 188 fire crews are attending to more than 50 fires burning across Queensland.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said today the state is being plagued by “catastrophic conditions” that will not help firefighters on the ground battling blazes stretching from the Gold Coast to Cape York.
Get all the latest live coverage in our bushfire emergency blog below.
Originally published as Queensland authorities on high alert as strong winds, high temperatures increase fire danger