Queensland fires police probe: No ID of culprits to avoid vilification

Police have confirmed who “accidentally” caused the devastating Hinterland fires, but say fears of vilification and backlash keep them from being identified.

Binna Burra Lodge was destroyed in September’s Hinterland blaze which police have confirmed was accidentally lit but someone now identified - but who won’t be charged. Picture: NIGEL HALLETT

POLICE say despite confirming who “accidentally” caused the devastating Hinterland fires they will not identify who it was due to potential “vilification” and “backlash”.

The fires which ripped through Canungra, Beechmont and Binna Burra in September were started by accident - not arson - a police task force has concluded, as the Bulletin revealed yesterday.

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No charges will be laid despite 11 homes and the historic Binna Burra Lodge being destroyed.

Police Detective Acting Inspector Adam Bennett told media, following the Bulletin revelations, those responsible would be afforded privacy to guard against “any potential vilification or any other potential backlash from the community”.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk inspecting the devastating fires. Picture: Andrew Potts

“The persons that we interviewed in relation to this accidental cause of fire are also members of the community,” Det. Act. Insp. Adam Bennett said.

“From our perspective…at this time they’re afforded privacy just like anyone else in their position…in terms of protecting and ensuring their privacy, that’s the situation we’ve determined.”

Queensland Police have declined to go into specific details about the cause, but confirmed the bushfire was not a result of arson or an out of control burn off.

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Yesterday, the Bulletin reported a police statement saying: “Concerning the Canungra/Beechmont/Binna Burra fire, as a result of inquiries and investigations it was determined the actions of identified persons accidentally caused the fire.

“A prosecution will not be commenced against those persons. Police and members of Task Force Overcross continue to work collaboratively with stakeholders partners including the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services to co-ordinate activities to prevent, disrupt and investigate suspicious fires across Queensland.”