Queensland's bushfire crisis continues

QUEENSLAND IS ON FIRE. HERE'S HOW THE EMERGENCY IS UNFOLDING.

WHERE ARE THE MAIN FIRES?

* 57 fires are burning across the state on Sunday in the worst start to the Queensland fire season in recorded history.

* One of the worst bushfires is the Stanthorpe and Applethorpe inferno.

* People in those two tinder-dry border communities are on the alert to leave their homes, again, should the fires worsen in Sunday's winds.

* These Granite Belt townships have been warned firefighters will not be able to bring the fire under control before Monday.

* A second very destructive fire is raging near Binna Burra in the Gold Coast hinterland.

* The fire forced evacuations as it burned along 10km front between Binna Burra and Canungra but is only active on Sunday at the Binna Burra end.

* The severe fire threat is likely to move towards central Queensland on Sunday afternoon.

WHAT IS THE DAMAGE?

* There have been no fatalities or serious injuries due to the fires.

* 15 homes have been destroyed, with five other structures also lost since the bushfire crisis began on Thursday.

* The Stanthorpe fire, that takes in the Applethorpe fire, has destroyed eight structures including three homes and water tanks.

* 11 homes were destroyed at Sarabah by the fire now at Binna Burra and the heritage-listed Binna Burra Lodge has been seriously damaged.

* Further north, one house was destroyed in a very fast grassfire near Mareeba on Thursday.

* The damage tally will likely rise once it is safe to check fire ravaged areas.

WHERE ARE PEOPLE DOING?

* It is not known how many people evacuated their homes with some going to shelters and others seeking refuge with friends or family.

* Some are at evacuation centres in Stanthorpe and Carungra where locals are rallying with food and water and support.

* Fire crews from NSW and federal defence personnel are assisting.

* The Queensland government has promised assistance to those left homeless.

WHAT NEXT?

* Conditions are volatile and not expected to ease before Tuesday or Wednesday.

* Evacuees are asked to stay away from their homes until told it is safe to return.

* Many roads are closed and people are being urged to check emergency services bulletins before travelling into affected areas.

* Nine state schools and one private school will be closed on Monday.

* They are : Amiens State School; Applethorpe State School; Beechmont State School; Dalveen State School; Poziers State School; Stanthorpe State School; Stanthorpe State High School; The Summit State School; Thulimbah State School; St Joseph's Catholic Primary School in Stanthorpe.