Hot and dry conditions are contributing to a growing bushfire emergency in Queensland’s southern Western Downs region (about 300km west of Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast). Authorities say at least several homes have been destroyed, and alerts have urged residents in Tara, Kogan and Wieambilla to leave immediately. Police said overnight that they are investigating a body found in the Tara area. Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk warned more bushfire alerts could be issued in western and central parts of the state over the coming days, with severe thunderstorms forecast tomorrow on top of a possible early cyclone season… It’s been a busy start to the bushfire season as we head into what’s predicted to be a scorching El Niño summer… To get ready, Aussies can now download a world-first Bushfire Resilience Rating app to help with their preparations.