Southwest Queensland is expected to face a catastrophic bushfire risk over the coming months, with towns such as Goondiwindi, Inglewood, Yelarbon, Texas and Maidenhead in the danger zone, according to the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council.

The developing threat follows a scorching start to Spring for Queensland which experienced a brutal four-day heatwave late last week, as temperatures soared above 37C in parts of the state.

Above average temperatures are likely across most of Queensland during Spring, contributing to the increased fire risk.

According to AFAC seasonal bushfire outlook for Spring, the increased risk of fire in the Goondiwindi region has been driven by recent below average rainfall and dry conditions, while a build up of vegetation after several wet years adds to the risk.

Goondiwindi Regional Council Mayor Lawrence Springborg said he had serious concerns about the conditions.

“We’ve had here five or six wet years in a row which is very rare — that only happens once a generation,” he said.

“So we’ve now got vegetation built up, we’re in a drying out phase, it could still rain and basically moderate the risk again, but that’s in the lap of the Gods or Mother Nature.

“It’s a very serious issue for us.”

Mr Springborg said he was particularly concerned about the build up of vegetation on state land, calling on the government to be good stewards.

“Since the drought broke in 2020, I’ve been extraordinarily concerned with the build-up of vegetation in our region, particularly on state lands,” he said.

“We’ve got an enormous amount of state land here … my call on the state authorities … is they need to be good neighbours, they need to be good stewards of their land.”

Rural Fire Service Queensland Chief Superintendent Shaune Toohey, who is the assistant chief officer for the Darling Downs District, said authorities were keeping a close watch on the area.

“It is one of our driest spots that we have in the southwest region,” he said.

Mr Toohey compared the lead up to this bushfire season to the 2015 and 2017 seasons, which were marked by intense El Nino-driven heatwaves, severe droughts and destructive fires.

“We had a lot of rain around 2011, 2012, we’re heading into that area where we’re starting to get that trend of drier weather come through,” he said.

Minister for Fire, Ann Leahy said the state government would support Queensland firefighters.

“South West Queensland is facing a high bushfire threat with dry conditions on the ground, but our firefighters are prepared for the upcoming fire season, and we are asking Queenslanders to do the same,” she said.