Extreme heat affected much of the east coast of Queensland in the last week of November 2018, with record-breaking temperatures at many locations. As the high temperatures, dry conditions and strong westerly winds elevated the fire danger, catastrophic fire danger ratings occurred in Queensland for the first time. More than 2,300 fires were attended to across the state, with more than 180 fires burning concurrently at the height of the emergency. Most occurred in central eastern Queensland, with the most significant fires around Gladstone, Rockhampton and Mackay.

Thirty-five communities in eight local government areas were severely impacted by the fires. Over 50 emergency alerts were issued over multiple days for several locations in eastern Queensland on 28 November. More than 700,000 emergency alert text messages were sent to residents in an area stretching 700 kilometres north from Hervey Bay to Bowen and more than 300 kilometres west to Carnarvon and Clermont. More than 570 bushfire emergency warnings were issued between 24 November and 7 December.

From 22 November to 6 December, 1.4 million hectares of land burned across Queensland and a young man was killed on 30 November by a falling tree while protecting his family property in the Rolleston area. In total, 9 homes were destroyed, 17 homes were damaged alongside numerous sheds and vehicles, and significant damage occurred to crops and pastures. Many schools were closed for several days, and the impact of the fires on communities, agriculture, tourism and the environment was significant. Joint Commonwealth–State disaster recovery funding was made available for impacted communities in six local government areas including Bundaberg, Gladstone, Isaac, Livingstone, Mackay and Rockhampton.