'LEAVE IMMEDIATELY': Dire warning to residents as bushfire rages

People in Fraser Island's Happy Valley are being told to leave immediately with a bushfire expected to impact the township.

The bushfire warning has been raised to emergency level and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services advise that leaving immediately is the safest option as it soon may be too dangerous to drive.

"Any persons in the vicinity of Happy Valley township should leave the area heading to the Eastern Beach and head south to Eurong Resort," the warning states.

Fire in a bush and police in a boat near bushfire.
People in Happy Valley are being told to leave immediately due to a bushfire raging towards the township. Source: AAP/QLD Police Service

As of 4.15pm on Sunday, a large fire is travelling in a southeasterly direction towards the township. It is expected to reach the area around 8pm and have a significant impact on the community.

"Conditions are now very dangerous and firefighters may soon be unable to prevent the fire advancing," the warning said.

"The fire may pose a threat to all lives directly in its path. Fire crews may not be able to protect your property. You should not expect a firefighter at your door: act now."

Power, water and mobile phone service may be lost and road conditions may become very dangerous over the next several hours.

People in the area will be affected by smoke, which will reduce visibility and air quality.

The bushfires were sparked by an illegal campfire on October 14 and have destroyed at least 82,500 hectares of the national park.

The fire continues to burn on multiple fronts on the east and west sides of the island.

About 100 specialist firefighters are on the ground and an array of firefighting aircraft including water bombers.

Fraser Island is about 250 kilometres north of Brisbane, 123km long and covers 181,851ha.

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