It was a terrifying event that shocked Australia but, unbelievably, it still hasn’t been enough to stop people doing the wrong thing.
The bald facts are startling.
Last year, an illegal campfire turned into an out-of-control bushfire that destroyed half of the World Heritage listed Fraser Island.
This year, the Department of Environment and Science has issued 33 fire-related fines have been issued to visitors … and it’s only August.
The Courier-Mail reports that the most recent incident happened last weekend when a camper was fined for lighting an illegal campfire.
Queensland Parks and Wildlife (QPWS) manager compliance Mike Devery said the person received a $689 fine for lighting an illegal campfire in the beach camping zone at the Wongai Camping Area on the southern part of the island.
“Lighting fires on K’gari outside the designated areas is dangerous and irresponsible behaviour, and people need to follow the rules,” Mr Devery told the Courier-Mail. “Campfires are illegal on K’gari and in many parts of the Cooloola Recreation Area to prevent bushfires, to stop people from burning inappropriate items, and to reduce injuries caused by people stepping on hot campfire embers covered in sand.”
QPWS rangers take a zero-tolerance approach to illegal campfires on K’gari and the fact they have issued 33 fire-related fines to campers in less than eight months has them wondering what needs to happen for the message to get through.
“This is an extraordinary number, especially considering last year’s bushfire on K’gari was caused by an illegal campfire that wasn’t extinguished properly,” Mr Devery said. “The ban is also in place to keep people safe and to protect the island’s unique flora and fauna and areas of cultural significance for the Butchulla people.”
Mr Devery told the Courier-Mail that campfires were only permitted on Fraser Island in the fire rings at Dundubara and Waddy Point camping areas.
“People must bring their own untreated timber if they are planning on enjoying a campfire at Dundubara and Waddy Point,” he said. “Visitors and residents to the island are not permitted to use bush wood for campfires.”
Most campers think they need a fire! A very hard instinct to be rid of. My instinct was dismissed when my wife had terrible reaction to the smoke.
Rangers smoking on tracks and throwing their cigarette butts will not help I could not believe it when I saw this happening today
Naturally you reported it!
It was probably time a good fire went through.