Strong winds and dry conditions have put Queensland on high fire alert over the next few days.

August 31, 2018

Queensland fire crews are bracing for a challenging weekend, with conditions over the next few days leaving the state at a very high risk of bushfires.

Strong winds across southwestern Queensland on Friday will combine with unseasonably warm temperatures and already dry conditions.

The weather system driving the winds is expected to push into southeastern and central Queensland on Saturday before affecting areas further north on Sunday.

The Bureau of Meteorology says the temperature on Friday, the last day of winter, will be above average.

“The airmass underneath is quite dry, so there won’t be a lot of rainfall with this system but it will be quite windy,” meteorologist Adam Woods told AAP.

“It’s drawing in the northerly airflow ahead of that trough elevating those maximum temperatures today, particularly through places like the southwestern Darling Downs, and as a result, we’re seeing those elevated fire danger ratings.”

Firefighters have responded to more than 1000 fires since August 15, and Queensland Fire Commissioner Katarina Carroll said the conditions forecast for this weekend mean there’ll be no reprieve.

Commissioner Carroll urged residents in bushfire-prone areas to be on alert.

“It is important residents are prepared for a bushfire, know what they will do if they have to leave their home and have a plan that details where they will go,” she said.

“Our firefighters are well prepared to tackle this weekend’s forecast conditions and are ready to respond if needed.”

Residents are being reminded that the smallest spark from things like from power tools or machinery can spark a bushfire, and motorists are being reminded of hefty fines for throwing cigarette butts out car windows.

“I urge people to keep up-to-date on bushfire conditions in their local area by visiting the Rural Fire Service website,” Ms Carroll said.