Queensland bushfire conditions to persist: Emergency services
As most of Queensland suffers under a persistent heatwave and more than 100 bushfires, a developing cyclone has been forecast to approach the embattled state.
There is a high chance a low-pressure system off the north-eastern coast will develop into a tropical cyclone, to be named Cyclone Owen, adding to a growing list of weather events affecting people in Queensland.
Authorities say it will be days before severe conditions ease across the state, with a forecast of dry lightning increasing the chance of more bushfires and the possibility of a cyclone forming off the north coast.
"This exceptional heat and fire event just keeps continuing," Bureau of Meteorology expert Bruce Gunn said on Saturday afternoon.
"Tomorrow another day of vigilance is required."
No significant rain is on the horizon until Tuesday, especially in central Queensland.
An increased fire danger has been predicted for the south eastern quarter of the state due to increased wind conditions, heat and "ready dry fuel", he said.
In addition a low pressure system off the north-eastern coast has increased its chance of forming into a tropical cyclone, although its effect on Queensland remains unclear.
"Stay tuned," Mr Gunn said.
He was joined by Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, who urged people to be vigilant.
"This is about everyone listening to the authorities, making sure that everyone is prepared," she said.
The warnings come after a central Queensland man died while clearing a firebreak on his family's property south of Emerald.
The man, 21, appeared to have been trying to cut down a tree with a chainsaw when it fell and trapped him on Friday night.
Three other men on the site tried to rescue the man, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Ms Palaszczuk has extended her sympathies to the man's family, saying the tragedy highlights the serious danger the bushfires present.
Acting Prime Minister Michael McCormack, who was earlier visiting Miriam Vale near Gladstone, described the bushfire situation as "very very trying times".
"We stand ready as a Commonwealth to do whatever we can to enact any measures that we need to to help in these efforts.
"They are the worst of times, but we are seeing the very, very best of people."
After almost a week of severe fire danger, QFES Commissioner Katarina Carroll says the difficult and challenging conditions will persist.
"We are not out of the woods," she said.
"We've got a heatwave still with us for the next four days. We've got thunderstorms that interfere with how the fire spreads ... We have never seen this in our state before."
Police say they have found no evidence of arson involved in these fires, many of which were sparked in extreme heatwave conditions.
But two men have been arrested for allegedly attempting to start fires near Rockhampton in two separate incidents on Thursday and Friday.
Evacuated residents are desperate to return to their homes, but have been warned it is still not safe for them to return.
AAP