A major bushfire continues to challenge firefighters in Queensland’s Western Downs as blazes damage dozens of structures in the regional area.
An emergency warning is in place for residents to the north of the small town of Miles, about four-and-a-half hours northwest of Brisbane.
The alert said the uncontained fire was travelling towards Archinalls Road, Hookswood Pelham Road and Ryalls Road, and could pose a threat to lives.
At least 20 structures as well as farming equipment have been lost in the Myall Park blaze, and the 26,000-hectare fire is the main concern for authorities.
Several grazing properties are in the area, and the fire is burning in drought-affected forest country with a lot of dead trees and “a lot of available fuel”, Queensland Rural Fire Service Superintendent Wayne Waltisbuhl said on Tuesday.
The blaze grew from 2300 to 26,000 hectares, and firefighters went into “defensive mode” to protect properties before looking at containment strategies with earthmoving equipment, he said.
The warning area is between Leichhardt Highway, Murilla Road intersecting with Archinalls Road, Welshs Road, Gearys Road, Greens Road and Ryalls Road.
A second watch and act warning is also in place for a fire burning in nearby Fairyland and Burra Burri, near Jandowae.
The large, fast-moving blaze is travelling from Nudley State Forest towards Moran Creek Road, the prepare-to-leave warning on Tuesday afternoon said.
But a warning was downgraded for a large fire burning at Montrose and Wieambilla, near Tara.
Residents who had left the area were advised they could return, but to be aware of unstable buildings and hot embers.
The Tara fire is also believed to have impacted at least 20 structures, including homes and sheds.
QFES crews across the state have been called in and aircraft are helping the firefighting effort.
No fatalities or significant injuries have been reported.
© AAP 2023
