Families evacuated as crews battle bushfire

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Families have been forced to flee their homes in the Darling Downs area of Queensland as a fast-moving bushfire races towards properties.

Some residents had to evacuate multiple times amid the unfolding emergency as fire crews worked to gain the upper hand over the blaze.

Dozens of crews fought to protect at least 12 homes in The Pines just west of Millmerran, south-west of Toowoomba, on Sunday.

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For the latest bushfire updates, visit Queensland Fire and emergency

Families have been forced to flee their homes in the Darling Downs area of Queensland as a fast-moving bushfire races towards properties.

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They were helped by Victorian strike teams and water bombing aircraft, and a large air tanker flown in from Bundaberg.

Evacuated families set up camp outside their local Forest Pines fire brigade.

Among them were Michael and Michelle Paterson, who had a sleepless night in the car after evacuating with their animals, including lambs.

Families have been forced to flee their homes in the Darling Downs area of Queensland as a fast-moving bushfire races towards properties.

"(We) had to chase the rams down, catch the kelpie, pack 'em all in," Michael, said, adding it was "better safe than sorry".

Another local, Julie Death, and her family were evacuated twice overnight with four grandchildren and cats and dogs in tow. 

"We're hoping that our place is going to be okay," she said.

The RFS said conditions remained dangerous.

"It's still spotting out ahead of itself and not behaving quite the way we would like," Warren Dean said.

It's hoped a forecast of rain could finally dampen the fire.

About 9.15pm on Sunday, authorities warned it was still unsafe to return to the area, amid multiple fire warnings.