Arson investigation after fire breaks out near Fraser Island’s Marloo camping ground

A fire, which rangers say had the potential to devastate Fraser Island, is being treated as suspicious.

A “potentially devastating” fire near a popular Fraser Island (K’gari) campsite is being treated as suspicious.

It comes after rangers and firefighters jumped into action when the blaze broke out near Marloo on Thursday.

Queensland’s Department of Environment and Science confirmed on Monday it was investigating the circumstances surrounding the fire, which it considered “deliberately lit”.

Principal Ranger Mark Cody said so far, QPWS rangers issued a $689 Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN) to a man who allegedly lit an unlawful campfire at the Marloo camping area early on Thursday morning.

“Around midday, rangers were advised the Orchid Beach RFS were heading to the Marloo region where a bushfire was burning,” Mr Cody said.

The blackened ground at Fraser Island after rangers put out an illegal fire.

“When rangers and the RFS arrived at Marloo, they found a fire about the size of a four-wheel-drive burning in the bush and were thankfully able to extinguish it.

“We believe the fire was deliberately lit with the intention of causing a bushfire, as it was located in the bush and not on the beach or near the dunes.

“It is extremely disappointing that an alleged incident of arson has occurred on the island.”

It’s been just over a year since a devastating fire razed more than half the World Heritage Listed Island.

That fire, which burned for more than seven weeks, was sparked by an illegal campfire which hadn’t been properly put out.

Since then, 55 fire related offences have been recorded on the island.

Four fines have already been issued this year.

Mr Cody said QPWS took a ‘zero tolerance’ approach to illegal campfires on the island and explained the embers could smoulder beneath the sand and ignite the root systems of nearby vegetation hours later, which is how the 2020 bushfire began.

He also thanked the Orchid Beach RFS for their “professionalism and diligence in preventing an uncontrollable bushfire by making sure the fire was fully extinguished” on Thursday.

“Visitors and residents to the island are warned that people routinely provide information, including photos, when irresponsible people light campfires,” he said

Anyone with information is urged to contact QPWS on 1300 130 372.