The warning states that conditions could deteriorate rapidly and that properties are also likely to be affected and power, water and mobile phones will soon stop working.

Residents were told firefighters may not be able to stop the fire from getting closer and explosions could be heard nearby.

The emergency alert was issued at around 7.57pm on Tuesday night, stating: “Your life could be in danger. Soon it will be too dangerous to drive.”

The warning also mentioned that there will be smoke, making it difficult for locals to see and breathe, while the sky will also be dark.

Earlier at around 7pm, the QFD downgraded an emergency warning to watch and act, urging the Dirranbandi to follow their survival plan and prepare to leave quickly if the fire approaches.

The fierce fire is burning near the Dirranbandi Hebel road and is moving towards Dirranbandi.

The alert from QFD advises to avoid traffic on St George Dirranbandi Road and Wheynbah Road.

“The safest way to leave is to drive on the Dirranbandi Hebel road and then the Bollon Dirranbandi road,” the warning said.

A spokesman said 11 crews were at the scene battling the blaze, including air support, with seven more on the way.

A QFD spokesman said there had been no reports of property loss as of 7:15 p.m.

Dirranbandi is a small suburb in the Balonne region of Queensland with a population of 610 people recorded in the 2021 census.