Residents have been told to evacuate from two massive bushfires in the southeast portion of Queensland, even as dozens of fires continue to burn across the state where at least 45 homes have been destroyed and two people killed since last week.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the fires “devastating” in a visit to the state today and said the federal government would provide extra support to deal with what it estimates will be at least 42,000 claims for assistance as a result of the destruction.

“These are heartbreaking scenes when people lose their houses,” Albanese said from the town of Bundaberg, near one of the large fires. “This is a difficult period and it’s going to be a difficult summer.”

Firefighters from the neighbouring state of Victoria and New Zealand were on their way to help, Albanese added.

The early start to the fire season comes after Australia recorded its driest September on record and as the weather bureau forecast months of hot weather and below-average rainfall ahead.

More than 7,500 hectares are burning out of control in the neighbouring state of New South Wales, only 40km away from one of the Queensland fires.

Firefighters said a 100-hectare blaze near Ulan, roughly 200 km northwest of Sydney, was “impinging” on a facility where explosives were stored and warned those nearby to leave.