Australia Zoo and dozens of homes in Beerwah, near the Sunshine Coast, have come under threat from a massive bushfire.

A 'prepare to leave' warning was issued by Queensland Fire and Emergency Saturday afternoon as the fire raged from Irwin Road towards Fraser Road.

Helicopters were also called in to protect around 30 homes on Foley Road, according to the Sunshine Coast Daily.

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Dozens of homes in Beerwah, near the Sunshine Coast, have come under threat from a massive bushfire

The fire was believed to have started near Steve Irwin Way and come close to Australia Zoo (stock picture)

Around 4pm firefighters had taken preventative measures to wet down houses in the fires path as it began to burn back.

Four crews also remained at Australia Zoo to attend to potential threats from any spotfires that could spark up.

Earlier in the day three enclosures at the zoo that were the closest to the fire were evacuated with a spokesperson stating they were taking 'all necessary precautions'.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Service Inspector Bernie Massingham told News Corp about 10 crews were using 'very, very conservative back-burning operations to halt the fire.

Four crews remain at the Zoo to attend to potential threats from any spotfires that could spark up after some animal enclosures were evacuated (stock image)

A 'prepare to leave' warning was issued by Queensland Fire and Emergency Saturday afternoon as the fire raged in forestry from Irwin Road towards Fraser Road

Helicopters were also called in to protect around 30 homes on Foley Road, with one waterbomber remaining on scene, according to the Sunshine Coast Daily

The Watch and Act warning currently in place stated residents in the area should be ready to enact a bushfire survival plan or be prepared to leave the area.

'Fire crews are working to contain the fire but firefighters may not be able to protect every property. You should not expect a firefighter at your door,' the alert read.

It also warned people in the area to be aware of the air quality, as plumes of black smoke were pictured in the sky.

The fire was believed to have started from a care fire near Steve Irwin Way before spreading quickly.

Temperatures in the area reached peaks in the high 20s Saturday, with winds up to 20km/h potentially fanning flames.

Around 4pm firefighters had taken preventative measures to wet down houses in the fires path as it began to burn back

Plumes of black smoke were pictured in the sky with warnings to people in the area to be aware of the air quality