Firefighters battle flames across Qld

A firefighter has been hospitalised in far north Queensland as nearly a dozen fires burn across the state.

Aged in his 40s, he was struck down by heat exhaustion as his crew battled to contain a blaze at Cooktown that threatened several homes and destroyed a shed.

Residents have been urged to learn their bushfire survival plans and remain vigilant by drinking lots of water and wearing protective clothing.

Several fires in central Queensland remain within containment lines but heavy smoke is affecting Rockhampton and nearby areas.

Fires inland of the Sunshine Coast are also under control but motorists are being asked to drive with caution.