Weir River fire being treated as suspicious

Police are treating as suspicious a large fire that continues to burn west of Toowoomba, damaging properties. LATEST ALERTS

Police are treating a 14,5000ha fire that continues to burn west of Toowoomba, damaging properties, as suspicious.

Residents about the Weir River near Moonie have been told to prepare to leave as the large, fast-moving fire is travelling near Colemans Road towards Crowders Creek Road.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services issued a prepare to leave warning about 2.45am on Friday.

The properties affected are between the Moonie Highway, Colemans Rd, Oconor Rd, the Kumbarilla State Forest and the Waar Waar State Forest.

The fire is moving very fast near Colemans Road towards Crowders Creek Road. QFES warned conditions could get worse very quickly.

The warning came as Queensland Police Service launched investigations into the cause of out of control fires burning in the Moonie area.

In statement on Tuesday night police said they were treating the fire as suspicious with investigations into possible arson ongoing.

“Anyone who saw any suspicious behaviour in the Cecil Plains Road and Moonie Highway area on Tuesday, February 28, between 7:20pm and 9:00pm are asked to contact police,” the statement said.

As of Thursday night the fires had destroyed numerous farm structures with many acres of land burnt.

Police are continuing to conduct proactive patrols and urge anyone who witnesses suspicious behaviour to contact investigators.