Bushfire downgraded in Qld's Wide Bay

A bushfire which was threatening homes at Burrum Heads in Queensland's Wide Bay region has been downgraded, but authorities are warning residents not to be complacent.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services has downgraded their advice to residents from "leave now" to "prepare to leave" as at 5.10pm.

If residents haven't already evacuated they can stay in their homes but should be ready to enact their bushfire plans in a hurry.

People not in the vicinity are advised not to return as the conditions are too dangerous.

Police have spent the afternoon doorknocking the area.

QFES said in a statement the "unpredictable and erratic fire" was travelling south from Burrum Heads Road.

Fire crews were working to contain the blaze, but warned it was not yet under control, and people in the area would also be affected by thick smoke.

An evacuation centre has been established at the nearby Hervey Bay Baptist Church.