Heatwave, bushfire in Australia expected to ease

SYDNEY - More than 100 bushfires continued to burn in the Australian State of Queensland as of Monday, with a number of communities remaining ready to evacuate if necessary.

However, extreme temperatures which have made conditions difficult for firefighters are expected to ease throughout the week.

"Thankfully we will be seeing temperatures drop away," Bureau of Meteorology scientist Adam Blazak told the national broadcaster.

"From the south-east tomorrow, that will gradually spread up the state throughout Wednesday, and by Thursday, most of the state should be back to reasonably average temperatures for this time of the year.

Emergency Services Minister Craig Crawford said the roughly 500 personnel who have come from interstate to assist with the fires will no longer be required as the weather improves.

"By Thursday all of those interstate crews should have rotated out and gone home," Crawford said.

"We are nearly there - once we get through to about Wednesday this whole heatwave will subside."

Fires have so far burnt more than 520,000 hectares and destroyed property.