Gold Coast Hinterland fires: Police reveal smoking teens accidentally ignited devastating blaze

Police have finally revealed what sparked the devastating bushfire which destroyed the Binna Burra Lodge and a number of homes in the Gold Coast hinterland.

POLICE have revealed a cigarette discarded by teenagers ignited the devastating bushfire which destroyed the historic Binna Burra Lodge and a number of homes in the hinterland.

The revelation follows two weeks of pressure by the Bulletin, after Queensland Police Service initially refused to release the information to the public.

The bushfire burning through the hinterland in September. Picture: Bonogin Valley Rural Fire Brigade

GET FULL DIGITAL ACCESS: $5 PER MONTH FOR THE FIRST 3 MONTHS

The two teenagers, who were interviewed by Taskforce Overcross in relation to the accidental blaze in September, will not be charged.

Hinterland residents had called on police to detail the ignition source of the fire, which destroyed 11 homes and the iconic Binna Burra Lodge.

Queensland Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll visiting Binna Burra after the fires. She said the cause of the fires would be investigated. Picture: Nigel Hallett

Elderly Beechmont couple Pamela and Stewart Skeen, aged 74 and 70, desperately wanted to know how their home of more than 25 years and the vast majority of their possessions came to be destroyed.

“I think it’s mind boggling to me that we’re not getting the full, straight answer,” Mrs Skeen said.

“They say it was an accident. We definitely want to know more.

“My house was everything to me.”

Stewart and Pamela Skeen lost their Beechmont home in the recent bushfires. Mrs Skeen said it was “mind-boggling” that the cause of the fire was not initially made public. Picture: Jerad Williams

In a statement, police responded that “concerning the Canungra/Beechmont/Binna Burra fire, as a result of community concern and following investigations, QPS wishes to advise the cause of this fire was likely a combination of a discarded cigarette and the significant adverse weather conditions.

“Following inquiries and investigations it was determined the actions of identified persons accidentally caused the fire.

“A prosecution will not be commenced against those persons

The fire was caused by a discarded cigarette. Picture: Bonogin Valley Rural Fire Brigade

MORE NEWS

New map for Coomera Coonector route

Man plunges to his death from high-rise

Unprecedented number of brown snakes on Coast

“The persons interviewed in relation to this accidental cause of fire are also members of the community.

“At this time, they are afforded privacy just like anyone else in their position.

“Each fire is different, with different circumstances that have to be taken into account before we make a decision.”

Police acknowledged the fire which devastated the hinterland had a “significant impact on the community and on emergency services”.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison inspecting ruins at Binna Burra after the fierce fire tore through. Picture: AAP

“We thank the community for their assistance in this matter. We hope we maintain this partnership in the future,” the statement read.

“At this time of heightened danger and following the declaration of a State of Fire Emergency, the community is asked to continue working with authorities to prevent fires.”

The revelation by police comes as the hinterland faces a new bushfire threat.

Police asked anyone with information about suspicious fires to phone CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.