People told to leave as fire threatens Queensland homes

More than 50 people have been forced to flee their homes as firefighters battle a southern Queensland blaze, with temperatures set to soar across the state.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk confirmed buildings had been destroyed by the fire, west of Brisbane, that prompted a “leave immediately” warning for Tara and Kogan residents.

More than 40 firefighting crews with waterbombing aircraft have been battling to contain the blaze after it flared again on Monday night.

It is one of 50 blazes being monitored across Queensland.

The fast-moving fire was burning near Chinchilla Tara Road and was expected to affect Bennett School Road on Tuesday.

“I am advised that a blaze at Tara escalated overnight and further structures were lost,” the premier told parliament.

Palaszczuk said property damage assessments in the area would be held “when it is safe”.

Residents at nearby Wieambilla have been told they should prepare to leave.

An evacuation centre has been set up at Western Downs Regional Council customer contact centre.

The premier said 49 people were in evacuation centres with another five taken to other accommodation.

In the south-west, residents at Millmerran Woods, Millmerran Downs and Cypress Gardens were told it was still not safe to return to their homes.

Palaszczuk said they had extended contracts for more than a dozen aerial firefighters beyond the usual late November finish, with a protracted fire season expected.

She said waterbombing aircraft had conducted more than 6000 drops.

Bushfires continued to burn as the state chief prepared to step down on Friday.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Greg Leach this month announced he had resigned after almost four years at the helm.

Fire and Emergency Services Minister Mark Ryan on Tuesday said QFES Acting Deputy Commissioner Stephen Smith would step up to replace Leach until they found a new chief.

Firefighters were on high alert, with above-average temperatures and increased winds forecast in the coming days.

In the north-west, midweek temperatures were forecast to reach up to 42 degrees, 40 degrees in the central west and in the high 30s in Channel Country.

Extreme fire danger ratings were expected for the state’s Gulf Country, central west, north-west and Channel Country in the coming days.

However the Bureau of Meteorology said a southerly change was set to start bringing cooler conditions moving through from the Channel Country in the state’s west later this week.

There was a chance of rain by Friday for the Western Downs area, where bushfires are threatening properties near Tara.

- AAP

Sean Parnell sends an exclusive newsletter to subscribers each week. Sign up to receive his Note from the Editor.