Authorities will investigate campfire that sparked major Moreton Island blaze

A "careless" campfire lit during a fire ban sparked a rapidly moving blaze that has now burnt hundreds of hectares on Moreton Island, about 40 kilometres north-east of Brisbane, according to authorities.

Around 20 campers were relocated on Saturday due to the threat of a large out-of-control bushfire in the island's north.

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Fire crews worked tirelessly overnight to slow the spread of the fire, which is currently listed as a Watch and Act.

Rural Fire Service Queensland Acting Chief Superintendent Neil Parker said the cause of the blaze was a campfire lit at 10.30 am on Saturday at Eagers Creek, on the island's eastern coast.

A total fire ban has been in place since Thursday and will remain in effect until at least October 7.

Mr Parker said the fire had already burned 640 hectares and put residents and campers at risk during school holidays and the long weekend.

Thirty-two crews and five aircraft are working to contain the blaze, which could last at least another two or three days, according to Mr Parker.

"While everyone's watching the football, our parks and crews will be watching the area and making sure everyone's safe," he said.

Preventive backburns are being carried out while aircraft continue to waterbomb and map the area.

Crews are focused on burning into the breeze, keeping the fire away from homes and ensuring it doesn't jump Telegraph Track.

Mr Parker said half of the crews were sleeping because they'd worked overnight until 8am on Sunday.

"Things are very dry and drying up quick, we just need people to be very careful," he said.

Principal ranger with Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, Jay Lessons, said the last large bushfire event on the island was in 2019.

Around 480 people had camped on the island over the weekend. Those remaining were being kept informed by local authorities, Mr Lessons said.

Crews are aiming to burn about 2,300 hectares on the 37-kilometre sand island.

Sunday's more "favourable" windy conditions were helping to contain the blaze, according to Mr Lessons.

More smoke will be visible across the island and towards Brisbane over the next couple of days, he said.

As of midday Sunday, three fires were listed as Watch and Act across the state, including Moreton Island and two in the Bundaberg region in Nearum and near Gaeta Road in Takilberan.

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