Temperatures are starting to rise across the country … and so is the risk of bushfires.
There have already been a number of blazes in destinations popular with grey nomads and, as always, travellers are being urged to stay cautious, stay informed … and to follow the rules!
In the most recent incident, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service is asking people to stay out of Blackdown Tableland National Park while rangers work to contain two bushfires.
The park, located 180 kilometres west of Rockhampton, was temporarily closed on October 27 for public safety reasons after lightning strikes sparked two separate fires.
However, since the temporary closure was implemented, people have cut locked gates to get in, and rangers have ordered more than 10 people to leave the park.
Some peope have been ignoring signage. PIC: QPWS
Project Officer Eliza Wheeler said rangers are disappointed and frustrated with people illegally entering the national park.
“This closure is in place to keep people safe and support crucial firefighting efforts,” she said. “Entering a closed section of a national park is dangerous, especially when rangers are fighting bushfires … ignoring temporary closures stops rangers from doing their job and people and properties in danger.
Anyone caught illegally entering a restricted access area can face an on-the-spot fine of $667.
“People are advised that they should never enter closed areas, they should obey all signage and follow directions from rangers,” said Ms Wheeler.
Anyone planning to visit a Queensland national park or State Forest this bushfire risk period, is asked to check Park Alerts in advance.
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We stay home in Summer, we don’t like heat so we don’t travel.
Instead of traveling we enjoy living in airconditioned comfort in our beachside home.
We don’t live in a bushfire prone area thank goodness.