UPDATE: Far north Queensland bushfire downgraded, residents urged to remain vigilant

A large bushfire at Ravenshoe in far north Queensland has been downgraded amid cooler conditions tonight.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services is advising Ravenshoe residents to remain vigilant and has issued a watch and act message.

The large fire is located at Greys Lane and Wooroora Road heading north towards North and South Millstream.

The fire is currently burning within containment lines, with fire crews taking advantage of more favourable conditions for backburning.

Containment lines are currently being strengthened amid hopes the worst of the blaze has been brought under control.

The fire has burnt approximately 12,000 hectares of bushland.

Power, water and mobile phone coverage may be lost in the area for several hours.

QFES is warning spot fires may occur ahead of the fire front and embers are also being thrown from the fire.

Residents are being asked not to back burn as this may interfere with attempts by firefighters to put out the blaze.

The bushfire is threatening about 30 homes but no property has been destroyed.

The publican at The Hotel Ravenshoe, who declined to give her name, told AAP she could smell smoke and see dark plumes on the horizon.

"We're just hoping it doesn't get any closer," she said, adding that she'd been told the bushfire had reached Ravenshoe Motorcycle Club, 11km southwest of the town.