The weather is warming up quickly in many parts of the country and that means the bushfire risk is also climbing.
As always grey nomads are urged to be aware of the dangers, to keep informed, and to make sure they do the right thing.
There have been a number of fires in national parks in recent days.
In Queensland, bushfire impacted approximately 2,300 hectares on the northern side of Moreton Island.
The blaze, which has now been contained, is believed to have been sparked by a campfire within the active fire ban zone. Investigations are ongoing.
As the weather warms up, the bushfire risk rises. PIC: DFES (file pic)
To ensure public safety, campers in affected areas were relocated to the western side of the island, and parts of the national park were temporarily closed.
And Cape Palmerston National Park has also recently re-opened after being closed for several days when a bushfire entered the Ilbilbie section.
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service says it is important for visitors to stay alert, follow any directions from rangers and to never enter closed areas.
It says that anyone planning to visit a national park or state forest this bushfire risk period, should stay up to date with park, fire and weather conditions by visiting park alerts.
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I use 2 apps – Fires Near Me and Australian Fires.
Great as long as you have internet – one of several reasons I’m now setting up a Starlink Mini.
Maybe it’s time for travellers to be proactive when they see campfires in fire ban areas.
It may not be appropriate to approach the offenders, but to pass on the information to fire authorities to deal with. The more people who are caught and the more awareness of penalties, the risks are reduced. However like all situations today – it is about having the manpower to follow up, catch and fine.