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.
Crime and Court
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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.
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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.
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.”
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
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“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”.
“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.
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