Detectives investigating the attempted arson of a mosque at Toowoomba west of Brisbane say the fire could have been catastrophic had it taken hold.

Queensland police are trying to enhance security camera footage of a man who attempted to burn down the mosque sometime between 2:00pm on Friday and 12:30pm on Saturday.

Detective Acting Inspector Paul Hart said the arson attempt in the building, which is used as a daycare centre, was discovered on Saturday by worshippers.

He said several fires were set, including one in a plastic bin that burnt a hole through the floor, and gas had filled the building from an oven which had been left on but not lit.

"A number of small fires had been lit throughout the premises and a hole had subsequently been burnt in the floor of the weatherboard dwelling," he said.

"They found at that time that a plastic bin had been set on fire and that a oven door to a gas stove had been left open and that gas was also throughout the building.

"We're certainly treating this as a serious offence. It is an attempted arson matter and it could've been quite catastrophic if the fire there had taken hold."

Inspector Hart said police were reviewing CCTV footage and are hoping to obtain more from the mosque and surrounding buildings.

"We have obtained some footage that would indicate a male person wearing a hoodie was around the mosque at the time we believe the fire was set," he said.

He said the motive for the attack was unclear.

The mosque opened in March last year.