The Queensland Fire and Emergency Services have paid tribute to a volunteer who died on her way to rescue a family in floodwaters.

Merryl Dray died overnight when the vehicle she was in was swept away by floodwaters.

Three other SES volunteers in the car were able to escape.

They had been on their way to rescue a family who had become trapped.

Ms Day had volunteered more than 520 hours of her time with the Lowood SES Group over four and a half years.

A statement from Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Greg Leach said Ms Dray was passionate about helping her local community.

“The Queensland State Emergency Service (SES) and broader Queensland Fire and Emergency Services family is saddened by the tragic loss of SES volunteer Merryl Dray during a flood response at Coolana overnight,” he wrote.

“The Dray family and the Lowood SES Group thank the community for the love and support that is being extended to them during this difficult time and thanks the media for respect of their privacy.”