Queensland Fire and Emergency Services on Saturday issued a “watch and act” alert for the Kinkora State Forest in Southwood, which is about 340km west of Brisbane.

The warning area includes Tarawindi Road, Dicks Road, Lienassie Road, Bendee Road, Stephens Creek and Back Creek.

QFES said the “large, fast-moving fire” was burning along the Moonie Highway near Kinkora State Forest and Currajong State Forest.

Locals were “preparing to leave” as conditions could deteriorate rapidly.

A QFES spokeswoman told SkyNews.com.au that multiple crews responded to the fire, which has been burning since about 11am on Friday.

Firefighting aircraft were also deployed to assist ground crews.

QFES urged residents to follow their bushfire survival plans and avoid driving on the Moonie Highway between Moonie and Westmar.

The warning was originally issued at 9.30am, which is still in place on Saturday afternoon.

Residents can stay informed with the latest warnings on QFES website and its social media pages.