Three Sunshine Coast men have been fined for lighting an illegal campfire that caused a bushfire at Teewah on the Noosa northshore.
The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service says on October 26, the illegal campfire escalated into a bushfire within the Great Sandy National Park (Cooloola section) and burned approximately seven hectares.
The fire required an emergency management response, including QPWS rangers and the Rural Fire Service.
Campers were evacuated, and water-bombing aircraft and helicopters were also used to contain the fire and protect nearby camping areas.
The Sunshine Coast men have been fined more than $5,000 for unlawfully lighting fires, leaving fires unattended, and using plants from a Recreation Area to light a fire.
Principal Ranger Danielle Mansfield says the Cooloola Recreation area is under a permanent fire prohibition for safety and environmental reasons.
“The permanent fire prohibition was introduced in 2020 to help prevent incidents like this,” Ms Mansfield said.
“Our number one priority is the safety of rangers and visitors to our protected areas, and we also want to protect the natural and cultural values of the Cooloola Recreation area.
“Campfires are not compatible with Teewah’s coastal environment, because they can quickly escape into the dunes and bushland.
“We thank those visitors who respect other campers and the natural and cultural values by not lighting campfires at Teewah.”
QPWS rangers routinely provide education to visitors to the Cooloola Recreation Area, and fines can be issued to people who ignore the permanent fire ban.
