Qld blaze creates major smoke hazard

Heavy smoke from a large blaze burning on Queensland's Darling Downs has firefighters urging residents to keep doors and windows shut.

The fire is no longer threatening homes, but authorities are telling locals to remain on guard.

Fifteen fire crews, two water bombers and a fixed wing aircraft are battling the blaze near the Gore Highway at The Pines, about 120km west of Toowoomba.

It's burning near Paddys Creek Road and Pine Ridge Road, but is still within containment lines.

"There is no threat to structures but residents will see active fire and smoke in the area," the latest Queensland Fire and Rescue alert says.

The Department of Community Safety says there is still a large smoke hazard affecting the areas of Flamingo Road, Peacock Road, Rosella Avenue and Boondindilla Road.

Residents are advised to keep their homes shut up, while those suffering respiratory conditions are being told to keep their medications close by.

The fire took hold on Thursday, south of Millmerran, and at one stage threatened homes in the Wattle Ridge area.

Crews were able to contain it but not before it destroyed a van and a shed.

The blaze has so far burnt about 450 hectares of land.