Aircraft fight raging fires

Aircraft are water-bombing bushfires in Queensland near hundreds of Rockhampton homes as fire officers on the ground backburn in a race against time.

About 80 fire officers are focusing on protecting homes at Norman Gardens and Frenchville, which are blanketed by thick smoke as bushfires rage on Mt Archer.

Residents are also hosing their homes and back lawns but have been warned to activate their bushfire plans and prepare to evacuate.

An emergency situation declaration remains in place.