Wildfire burning on K’gari allegedly started by heat-beads in portable campfire

As an investigation continues into a bushfire that burnt 280ha on World Heritage-listed K’gari, authorities may have found another reason behind the illegal blaze. VIDEO, LATEST.

Huge plumes of smoke and flames can be seen on the eastern side of K'gari.

An investigation is continuing into the cause of a bushfire at Eastern Beach on K’gari, which is now believed to have been caused by discarded heat-beads.

The fire is contained and self-extinguishing, a spokesman from the Department of Environment and Science said.

The bushfire burned through about 280ha inland from the Maheno Camp Zone before dissipating as a result of responding crews and favourable conditions.

Closures remain in place for visitor safety, but there is no threat to nearby infrastructure or the wider environment.

An initial investigation into the cause of the fire indicate inappropriately discarded heat-beads caused an illegal fire starting about 8.30am on Friday.

The heat-beads are believed to have been used in a portable woodfire heater used for camping.

K’gari senior ranger Linda Behrendorff said the impacts and potential risk of the bushfire were reduced thanks to a quick, collaborative response and good land management through planned burning.

“The QPWS would like to thank the multiple agencies who assisted with this weekend’s bushfire response including Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation, the Queensland Fire Department, the Rural Fire Service, Queensland police and locals,” Ms Behrendorff said.

“This collaborative effort, combined with mild weather conditions and recent planned burning helped us to contain the bushfire quickly.

“Campers need to understand that unauthorised campfires on K’gari are illegal for good reason.

“The conditions of this fire worked in our favour, but containing bushfires on a remote island like K’gari can be extremely challenging so we really need campers to do the right thing to keep themselves and the environment safe.”

In a separate incident, as rangers were checking on nearby campers during the fire response on Saturday, they observed a group of visitors that had allegedly lit another illegal campfire in the same camping area.

“Rangers have issued a $806 fine to the group as a result.

Anyone caught lighting a fire outside of the designated areas on K’gari can face an on-the-spot fine or higher, court-imposed penalties.

QPWS and Butchulla staff will continue to monitor the bushfire-impacted area, with additional prescribed burns planned for later this week to reduce remaining fuel loads.

A fire burns above K'gari. PHOTO: Air K'gari (formerly Air Fraser).

Visitors and residents in the area are reminded to obey all signage, and follow directions from rangers and emergency services.

As a result, smoke may continue to be seen in nearby areas. If smoke affects you, stay indoors where possible and keep respiratory medication close by.

MAN INJURED IN CAMPFIRE

In an unrelated emergency call-out, an island visitor suffered burns in a campfire.

The man in his 40s reportedly stepped too close to the fire, injuring his feet about 10.30pm.

He was taken to the Hervey Bay Hospital in a stable condition.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE IN THE AREA

– Stay informed because conditions could change:

– Check the QFES Current Bushfires and Warnings website regularly.

– Follow QFES on Facebook and Twitter.

– Listen to your local radio station.

– Tell friends, family and neighbours in the area.

– Decide what you will do if the bushfire gets closer.

– Follow your bushfire survival plan now. If you do not have a bushfire survival plan. Make one on the QFES website.

– Decide where you and the people you live with will go. This could be with family or a friend away from the fire.

– Keep medications close by.

– Avoid smoke – stay indoors, close windows and doors, and avoid driving through smoke.

– Watch out for firefighters working in the area.

– Do not fly drones around the fire. Drones affect air operations.

– If your life is in danger, call triple-0 (000) immediately.

A photo of the bushfire on K’gari in 2020, which burnt through 87,000ha of the island.

Impacts

– No properties are at risk.

– Smoke can make it hard for some people to breathe.

– Smoke can make it hard to see when you are driving.

– Some roads may be closed.

Further Information:

– For all warnings, visit the QFES Current Bushfires and Warnings website.

– Follow QFES on Facebook and Twitter.

– For road closures, visit the QLD Traffic website or call 13 19 40.

– Visit the Department of Environment and Science website for live air quality data.

– Find out how to get ready for a bushfire on the QFES website under Prepare – Bushfire.