"The fire is expected to have a significant impact on the community.

"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."

An evacuation centre is now open at Highfields Recreation Centre on O’Brien Road in Highfield.

Residents wishing to evacuate to the centre should leave in a south-westerly direction along Esk Hampton Road and then onto the New England Highway.

Residents on Beh Road, Mount Jockey Road and Mount Dongineeriaman Road can evacuate in an easterly direction towards Esk via Esk Hampton Road.

All residents on Purtill Road, Garvey Road, Ravensbourne Tip Road and McQuillan Road choosing to evacuate should travel towards Esk via Esk Hampton Road.

People with animals can go to the Crows Nest Showgrounds, New England Highway, near Showgrounds Terrace.