Queensland bushfires: firefighters battle 18 blazes in Western Downs as severe thunderstorms forecast for south-east

One of the 18 bushfires burning in Queensland. Weather forecasters are warning of thunder and hail in the south-east. Photograph: Coomera Valley RFB

Queensland’s Western Downs were still facing out-of-control bushfires on Tuesday morning as 18 fires continued to burn across the state overnight and an emergency warning remained in place.

Residents in Kowguran, Myall Park and Hookswood, near Miles, were told to leave immediately at 1am on Tuesday, as the fire reached more than 7,400 hectares in size.