Scorching temperatures in many parts of Queensland, backed by strong wind gusts, are fuelling high to severe fire warnings.
The most severe warning is for central Queensland through to the Whitsundays.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said financial assistance had been triggered through the joint disaster recovery funding arrangements.
“The messages that I think are important to Australians today, and particularly Queenslanders, up in north Queensland, and central Queensland, is to simply take the advice,” he said.
“You can rebuild a home but you can't rebuild a family, and there is, I think, a very clear set of warnings that have been provided and it's time to listen to those plans, stay calm and gather your family together.”
According to Queensland Fire and Emergency Services these are the current bushfires, which should be taken seriously by residents.
Kabra west of Rockhampton – prepare to leave
There is a bushfire in Kabra and conditions could get worse.
At 2.30pm, November 29, a large, slow-moving fire is travelling in a north/north-easterly direction towards Malchi Nine Mile Road, Kabra.
Alton Downs and Stanwell residents should also keep up to date and decide what actions they will take if the situation changes. People in the area will be affected by smoke, which will reduce visibility and air quality.
- Read more: Gracemere saved from fire storm
The Caves north of Rockhampton – prepare to leave
There is a bushfire in The Caves and conditions could get worse.
At 2.35pm on November 29, a fast-moving fire is travelling in a north-easterly direction from Barmoya Road towards Whitings Road, Ladynskis Road, Olsens Caves Road and The Caves Tourist Park.
Captain Creek (part of the Deepwater fire) – leave immediately
There is a bushfire approaching Captain Creek. Leaving immediately is the safest option, as it will soon be too dangerous to drive.
At 11.45am, a fast-moving fire is travelling in a north-easterly direction towards Captain Creek. It is expected to impact Murphy Road, Avocado Crescent and Range Road. The fire is expected to have a significant impact on the community.
- Read more: Extreme weather fuelling infernos
Winfield (part of the Deepwater fire) – leave immediately
At 11.45am, a large and unpredictable fire is travelling in southerly direction towards the Winfield community, leaving immediately is the safest option, as it will soon be too dangerous to drive.
There are separate warnings for Mullet Creek and Euleilah, and Deepwater, Baffle Creek, Rules Beach and Oyster Creek.
Conditions are now very dangerous and firefighters may soon be unable to prevent the fire advancing. The fire may pose a threat to all lives directly in its path. Fire crews may not be able to protect your property. You should not expect a firefighter at your door: act now.
Residents should evacuate by travelling south along Winfield Road into Rosedale Road. An evacuation centre has been opened at the QCWA Hall, 21 Main Street, Yandaran.
Eungella – west of Mackay
There is a bushfire in Broken River at Eungella and conditions could worsen. The fire is expected to impact additional communities within the coming hours.
At 11.40am, a large, unpredictable fire is travelling in a south-westerly direction from Eungella National Park towards Broken River. This fire is impacting Broken River. The fire could have a significant impact on the community.
All Broken River residents should evacuate in a northerly direction to Eungella and continue in an easterly direction along Mackay Eungella Road. Police are currently controlling traffic and evacuating residents.
Mt Christian (south of Sarina) – prepare to leave
There is a bushfire in Mount Christian and conditions could get worse.
At 3.15pm, an unpredictable fire is burning between Wood Road and Story Road in a north-easterly direction towards Dennys Road, Borstal Road, Schirmer Road and Story Road. The fire is likely to impact this area.
Fire crews are working to contain the fire but firefighters may not be able to protect every property. You should not expect a firefighter at your door.
- with Queensland Fire and Emergency Services