Blazes continue to burn across Queensland with strong winds expected to keep fire danger levels high for much of the week.

August 20, 2018

Queensland’s fire season is off to a hectic start after 800 bushfires lashed the state in less than a week.

Across the state, 122 fires continued to burn on Monday night, with authorities extending a fire ban for much of southeast Queensland.

On Monday, residents were told to be ready to leave after a large blaze at North Deep Creek, near Gympie, began burning in a northeasterly direction. 

Properties were not under threat but firefighters were prepared to work into the night to control the blaze.

While in Eudlo, in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, another blaze tore through 40 hectares of bushland narrowly missing homes.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) Commissioner Katarina Carrol says bushfire activity is expected to remain high over the coming days.

“It is imperative the public remain up to date and follow all instructions,” she warned in a statement.

A very high fire danger rating remains in place for much of Queensland with strong westerly winds expected to continue for much of the week.

QFES Superintendent Gary McCormack said some property had been lost in scores of fires that burned over the weekend, but so far no homes appear to have been destroyed.

“We did lose some structures, mainly sheds. We have lost a few caravans and some vehicles as well,” he told ABC television on Monday.

“We need to get in and assess the degree of damage.”

Fire and Emergency Services Minister Craig Crawford said the state’s fire season, which is only 20 days old, was off to a very challenging start.

He warned that would continue in the weeks and months ahead, with fuel loads high and soil moisture low amid drought conditions across much of Queensland.