People in the area are being urged to leave immediately and follow their bushfire plans. -AAP Image
Queensland authorities have issued a major emergency alert for an out-of-control bushfire west of Hervey Bay.
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Local media was instructed to use the standard emergency warning signal to alert those in the vicinity, a measure reserved for the most serious and life-threatening scenarios.
As of 3.00pm Saturday afternoon, the fire was burning in the Lake Lenthall and Wongi State Forest area near Duckinwilla, however was expected to move southwest towards Doongul Creek.
"A large, dangerous fire is burning in the Wongi State Forest," Queensland Fire and Emergency Service said in the alert.
"It is expected to impact Doongul Creek within the next hour."
The emergency area was between Top End Mines Road, Top Road, Lenthall Dam Road and Lake Lenthall including Kellogum Foresty Road.
Those in the area were told to leave immediately and follow their bushfire plans.
Firefighting aircraft were assisting ground crews attempting to bring the blaze under control.