Extreme fire conditions hit Queensland as Moreton Island burns

Weather conditions are set to become extreme in some parts of the state, as Moreton Island burns.

A fire on Moreton Island near the township of Cowan Cowan, which was sparked by lightning.

Weather conditions that have stoked and started bushfires across Queensland are not letting up and are set to become extreme in some parts of the state.

The Darling Downs and Granite Belt areas are forecast to fare the worst, with extreme conditions forecast for Sunday.

READ MORE: NSW fire blamed on cannabis crop

Residents of the town of Cowan Cowan on Moreton Island were told to leave on Saturday after a fire broke out, reportedly caused by lightning. Early on Sunday Queensland Fire and Emergency Services said the bushfire had burned around the township and was heading north towards Bulwer. Severe conditions are also expected in the Southeast Coast area, the Maranoa and Warrego district, and the Central Highlands and Coalfields region from Emerald and south to the Carnavon Ranges.

More than 70 fires were burning across the state on Saturday evening, with emergency warnings in place at Ravensbourne, north of Toowoomba, and at Mount Lindesay, near the Queensland and NSW border.

Conditions should ease on Monday before worsening by Wednesday.