At least 17 structures have been destroyed in bushfires near Tara, north-west of Brisbane, with residents still unable to return to their homes to inspect the damage.
Montrose has been the worst-hit area near Tara with more than 50 residents evacuated yesterday.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Service South-Western Region Assistant Commissioner David Hermann said there were still about 50 fires burning across the state at about 2pm Monday afternoon.
The Montrose fire is not yet contained.
"We still have quite an active fire and quite active fire weather," he said.
"We're trying to get property owners back to their properties as quickly as possible, however we can't allow people to return while it's unsafe and it's uncontrolled."
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, Mr Hermann said.
"We've had quite a large number of fires in the locality out here now over a number of weeks, and we'll look at all aspects of what that means," he said.
"All fires are treated as suspicious until we determine otherwise."
A "watch and act" direction has been in place for Montrose between South Road, Chinchilla Tara Road, Wieambilla Road, Church Road and Weranga North Road.
QFES said the structures lost included houses and outhouses, with the number of properties destroyed expected to increase.
Acting Inspector Craig Clifford said hot conditions and low humidity were impacting firefighting efforts.
"We're expecting more high temperatures today," he said.
"The locals have been fantastic."
QFES Inspector Ross Stacey said the fire at Tara had burnt through more than 830 hectares.
Blazes burn near Miles, Jandowae
A "emergency" warning was also declared for a fire burning at Myall Park near Miles that is travelling between Leichhardt Highway, Gearys Road, Greens Road and Ryalls Road.
Residents in Myall Park and Hookswood near Miles on the Western Downs have been told to leave immediately. The warning was issued just after 2pm as fire crews battle the blaze that currently covers 2,300 hectares.
Mr Hermann said conditions could deteriorate further this afternoon.
"That is growing in significance, in size and we're expecting it to impact and enter into the Barakula state forest," he said.
"Leave immediately is to advise them that they need to leave the area immediately, that it is unsafe and we put them out with sufficient time to ensure the safety of the community."
A "prepare-to-leave" warning has also been issued for Fairyland, near Jandowae, focused on areas between Buddens Road, Bells Road and Jandowae Durah Road.
A fire travelling from Nudley State Forest towards Burra Burri Creek Road and Davis Road is currently at "watch and act" level, but authorities say conditions could get worse rapidly.
Firefighting teams deployed to region
Six water-bombing aircraft, two air support crews, 30 ground crews and heavy machinery have been brought in to help contain the fires at Tara and Miles.
"We've nearly exhausted all the local crewing," Mr Stacey said.
"We've had a number of strike teams deployed in from south-east Queensland to assist and try and give locals some respite after the many weeks of fires that we've had on the Western Downs."
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services state coordinator James Haig told ABC Radio Brisbane higher humidity and cooler temperatures eased conditions for fire crews at Tara and Miles overnight.
"We do expect that to elevate again as the morning progresses," he said.
"We really want people to stay alert and stay well informed, pay attention to the warnings because that could change as the day heats up."
Mr Haig said while he had heard reports of structure losses, crews were focused on the job at hand.
"We're really focused on containing the fires, that's stopping them spreading further and then bringing them under full control," he said.
Powerlines down, trees falling
Mr Stacey said some crews had begun damage assessments, but the area remained dangerous.
"We've got a number of powerlines down in the area, and we've got trees starting to fall," he said.
"We're stressing to residents to just stay clear for the moment — crews are working very hard with earthmoving gear to get in and make access to properties."
He said the bushfire had also cut power to a telecommunications tower at Tara, hampering mobile phone services.
With hot and dry conditions again forecast for the region, Mr Stacey said residents needed to remain vigilant.
'Significant' number of people evacuated
Western Downs Deputy Mayor Andrew Smith said around 50 people had been evacuated from the fire zones overnight.
"Which is a considerable number — we're talking rural areas," Mr Smith said.
"Those [people] are being supported by council through those centres that we've opened in both Tara and Miles."
He said the situation had been challenging for fire crews due to heavy rain over the past few months.
"We've had some really good seasons — there's a lot of growth, a lot of grass on the ground, in places.
"This is going to be a challenge moving forward."
Many spent the night either on the side of the road in their cars or at the evacuation centre in Tara.
Emu Parade resident Natalie Kildey spent a sleepless night away from her home.
"We've been told our house hasn't burned. But that's beside the point. My focus is on the animals," she said.
"We've got birds and chickens, geese, cats still at the house.
"We've got our horses and dog and most of the birds out, but you only do what you can in about 40 minutes … it wasn't real smoky, but you could see the flames and hear the fire.
"It was horrible. The roar was horrible, like a big truck.
"We're ok, and we're thinking of the people who have lost more."
Janet and Chris Yates left their home with just their dogs and the clothes on their backs.
"It just came from nowhere," Mrs Yates said.
"I was having a little nap and our son went outside and said 'Mum, there's fire everywhere, smoke'."
By the time they left, the fire was close.
"We have a bush block, 30 acres with big fire breaks everywhere, but our fire break is as wide as the road and it didn't stop it, didn't make any difference," Mrs Yates said.
The couple evacuated to the local motel and spent the night trying to get information about what state their home was in, but said they were just happy they got out safely.
"The main fella there just said it is badly damaged," Mr Yates said.
"You'd be mad if you stay … our lives are more important and a place we can replace."
Brisbane's hottest February day in years
Brisbane had its hottest day in at least two years on Sunday, with temperatures up to 35.7 degrees, while it was a scorching 39C in Amberley and 40.8C in Gatton.
A severe heatwave warning remains in place for the Wide Bay and Burnett district, but has been cancelled for Capricornia, the Whitsundays and the Central Highlands and Coalfields districts.
Environmental scientist from Miles, Robert Gardiner, said he was concerned about how the community and the environment would recover.
"The bush is very dry, we haven't had heavy rains for quite some time," he said.
"The last time we had any rain was 12 days ago and everything is very dry so this fire has the capacity to burn for quite some time."
