A HORROR fire season is predicted to hit the Southern Downs and landholders are being urged to prepare now to prevent tragedy.

Warwick Rural Fire Brigade Group deputy group officer and Freestone Rural Fire Brigade first officer Alan Payne said a prolonged period of dry weather led to the region being labelled a "hot spot” for the season.

With dams drying out and farmers forced to destock, Mr Payne said firefighters were bracing for a bad bushfire season.

"The soil moisture really has run out, they're dry right the way down,” Mr Payne said.

"With that amount of fuel on the ground we're looking at quick running grass fires.”

Mr Payne said there hadn't been much of a break between fire seasons, as crews had been continuously fighting grass fires around the region.

Fires have already hit the Cunningham Highway, New England Highway and around Stanthorpe.

Mr Payne said the conditions this year were similar to 2002, when there were numerous fires around Stanthorpe and the eastern ranges.

The fire season usually starts in August, but Mr Payne believed it could begin early this year.

"So far we're fortunate that we get the dews at night, but as we go into July and August we get more drying out,” he said.

"You get warmer weather and longer days of sunshine to keep things drier.”

Mr Payne said this was usually the time of year when permitted burns were undertaken to reduce fire risks, but the window to complete the burn was quickly closing.

In as little as two weeks, landholders may no longer be able to obtain a permit.

The Glen Rural Fire Brigade has already prohibited landholders from obtaining a burning permit.

Mr Payne urged landholders to contact a fire warden before burning to determine whether it was safe. But burning is not the only way to reduce the risk of fire on properties for the upcoming season.

Mr Payne said the key to prevention was reducing the amount of fuel on properties.

"Put fire breaks around infrastructure, clean up around sheds and machinery,” he said.

Mr Payne said landholders could put a fire break in by slashing or reducing the feed on the ground with stock.

Care is also to be taken when using machinery such as slashers and grinders.

Mr Payne also advised to keep water on hand in case a fire does start.

Should a fire start, there are also important safety measures that need to be taken when in the area.

Mr Payne urged drivers to slow down if they saw emergency vehicles and firefighters battling a blaze on a highway.

To find a fire warden phone the Toowoomba Area Office on 46161945.