A firefighting aircraft has been called from interstate to battle two large and out-of-control bushfires believed to have been deliberately lit near Moonie in Queensland’s Western Downs.
Residents have been told to prepare to leave ahead of a blaze a senior firefighter described as "too dangerous" to bring under control.
On Tuesday night the Rural Fire Service was called to two fires in the Waar Waar State Forest and Cattle Creek.
South West Region RFS Superintendent Wayne Waltisbuhl said fire crews notified police.
"Some of the crew who arrived on scene last night observed some people in the area in a car and they took off very quickly," he said.
"That was suspicious at the time the fires were lit so that information has been passed to police to follow up."
Mr Waltisbuhl said it was disappointing to have to fight fires that had been lit.
"It's demoralising to the crews, you know, particularly on days like today," he said.
"It's really hot on the fire ground … it’s really tough going.”
The fires had burnt 5,000 hectares by 3:00pm.
Two properties are currently under threat.
"If the fire continues in its path, there is obviously going to be more people at risk as it moves on," Mr Waltibuhl said.
The New South Wales Rural Fire Service 727 Large Air Tanker "Marie Bashir" has flown in to assist.
“Both fires are out of control. We cannot contain the fire on any edge at this point," ” Mr Waltisbuhl said.
"The fire behaviour is too dangerous.
"We can’t reiterate any stronger — these are very fast, dangerous, moving forest fires."
Residents of properties between the Moonie Highway, Colemans Road, O’Conor Road and the Kumbarilla State Forest have been told to prepare to leave.
Mr Waltisbuhl said the conditions are very tough for about 25 firefighters, not helped by “a lot of dead trees on the ground, quite heavy fuel loads."
Reinforcements, including strike teams, were headed to the fire ground from around the state.
Plumes of smoke in the area have travelled as far south as Stanthorpe and Inglewood and residents with respiratory issues have been advised to stay indoors.
