A bushfire burning south of Townsville in North Queensland is no longer posing a threat to homes, firefighters say.

A watch-and-act alert was issued in The Pinnacles and Round Mountain area late this afternoon where the large, fast-moving fire was threatening to encroach on properties.

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Queensland Fire and Emergency Services sent 18 crews to battle the blaze, with firefighters successfully completing backburning to protect homes by about 7:30pm (AEST).

The fire, which broke out on Saturday night, was this evening burning in inaccessible land and was no longer a danger.

QFES said crews would monitor the blaze over the next few days.

They warned residents would still be affected by a large smoke haze and urged motorists to take caution on the roads.