A rescue helicopter was en route to Curtis Island, north of Gladstone in central Queensland, to airlift five people believed to be in harm's way from a bushfire.

But the Queensland Fire and Emergency Service (QFES) said the people were moved on the ground and the rescue chopper was recalled to base without being needed.

RACQ Capricorn Helicopter Rescue had advised at about 5:40pm that its chopper was on its way to evacuate people under threat.

On Monday afternoon, QFES said the fire was burning at the northern end of Curtis Island in the Spadely Settlement area, north of Narrows Monte Christo Road.

QFES said properties on the island were not under direct threat from the fire.