A large, fast-moving bush fire is threatening homes in Queensland’s Far North with residents warned to get ready to leave.

The bush fire at Lakeland, nearly 250km north of Cairns, began on Friday with crews battling to contain the blaze.

The large and fast-moving fire has not been contained and on Monday it was tracking along the Mulligan Highway travelling towards Peninsula Developmental Rd.

A prepare-to-leave warning has been issued for the Lakeland area where more than 300 people reside.

The Queensland Fire Department warned conditions could worsen quickly despite six crews working to contain the fire.

“The fire is likely to impact the community in the coming hours,” the agency said.

The agency warned residents not to expect a firefighter at their door to tell them to evacuate.

Residents near the blaze have been told to prepare to evacuate by planning where they will go, charging mobile phones and power banks, preparing equipment to take animals and packing a bag with necessities.

A total fire ban has also been issued for most of southwest Queensland due to heightened bush fire conditions.

Toowoomba, Southern Downs, Western Downs, Goondiwindi, Maranoa, Balonne, Murweh, Paroo, Quilpie and Bulloo are all under a fire ban until Wednesday.

It follows the stark bush fire outlook for spring with unseasonal rainfall in Queensland over recent months increasing fuel loads and fire risks.

Parched grasslands caused by winter frosts and dry winds have driven an increased fire risk in southern and central Queensland, the forecast by National Council for Fire and Emergency Services revealed.