More than 53 bush and grass fires are burning up and down the coast between Newcastle and Byron Bay and inland to the west as far as Bourke.

WHERE THE MAJOR FIRES ARE ON MONDAY

* Bees Nest, north of Ebor, in the Armidale area, impacting more than 60,000 hectares

* Long Gully Road, Drake, in the Tenterfield area, impacting more than 30,000 hectares

THE DAMAGE SO FAR

* 1 home destroyed in Tenterfield

* 5 homes damaged in Tenterfield, 1 home damaged in Lidsdale

* A number of outbuildings have been destroyed or damaged in Tenterfield

* 3 outbuildings destroyed in Lidsdale

RESOURCES

* 680 firefighters are on the ground

WARNINGS

* Bees Nest: watch and act, fire still out of control

* Drake: watch and act, fire still out of control

FORECAST

* Strong winds expected in both the Tenterfield and Armidale areas on Monday and coming days which will make if difficult to control the blazes.

Authorities say this is the worst start to the Queensland bushfires season in recorded history.

WHERE ARE THE MAJOR FIRES ON MONDAY?

* 51 fires are burning across the state on Monday.

* A major blaze is hitting the Stanthorpe and Applethorpe areas.

* It's now burning in containment lines but there are concerns about strong winds due in the area.

* A second major fire is burning near Binna Burra in the Gold Coast hinterland.

WHAT'S THE DAMAGE SO FAR?

* There have been no fatalities.

* 15 homes and six other structures have been destroyed since the crisis began on Thursday.

* The Stanthorpe fire, which takes in the Applethorpe fire, has destroyed eight structures including three homes and water tanks.

* 11 homes were destroyed at Sarabah by the fire now at Binna Burra and the heritage-listed Binna Burra Lodge has been seriously damaged.

* Further north, one house was destroyed in a very fast grassfire near Mareeba on Thursday.

* The damage tally will likely rise once it is safe to check fire-ravaged areas.

WHAT ARE RESIDENTS DOING?

* Many were forced to evacuate their homes with some going to shelters and others seeking refuge with friends or family.

* Some people in Stanthorpe and Applethorpe are being allowed back home.

* Eleven schools will be closed on Monday.

* Many roads are closed and people are being urged to check emergency services bulletins before travelling into affected areas.

WHAT RESOURCES HAVE BEEN DEPLOYED?

* Fire crews from NSW and federal defence personnel are assisting.

* Around 100 trucks and up to 300 firefighters are ready to fight the Gold Coast fire again on Monday.

WHAT'S THE OUTLOOK?

* Conditions are volatile and not expected to ease before Tuesday or Wednesday.

Australian Associated Press