A "careless" and illegal beach campfire sparked the first major bushfire on Queensland's Moreton Island in six years, authorities have said.

Long weekend campers were evacuated to the western side of the tourist island in the state's south-east yesterday as firefighters worked to control the out-of-control blaze.

The bushfire razed around 640 hectares before fire crews could contain it.

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) ranger Jay Lessons said around 480 campers are still on Moreton Island.

Around 20 campers were asked to move from the northern edge of the island during the peak of the fire yesterday.

"We still have work to do, but we have the fire where we want it," Lessons said.

"More smoke is expected today, with a wind change coming from north.

"Smoke will be

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