State-wide fire ban lifted for all of Queensland’s national parks and forests

Effective today (20th January 2020), the Queensland Deputy Director-General of the Department of Environment and Science (Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and Partnerships Division) has announced the lifting of the state-wide fire ban for all of Queensland’s national parks and forests.

While the state-wide ban has been lifted, visitors to national parks and forests within the North Burnett, South Burnett, Bundaberg, Fraser Coast, Noosa and Sunshine Coast local government areas will still not be able to have open fires, as these areas are still subject to local fire bans imposed by Queensland Fire and Emergency Services.

Those visitors will, however, be able to use heating and cooking appliances with valves that can immediately turn off the fuel source – this includes gas and electric barbecues and fuel stoves.

The ban was put in place in early November following severe bushfire weather conditions experienced across the state.

Deputy Director-General Ben Klaassen has thanked the public for their cooperation during the ban advising “the fire ban eased pressures on the state’s resources and ensured they were able to be directed to urgent firefighting activities.

“As the ban meant no open fires in any park, anywhere in the state, we appreciate that can affect the authenticity and ambience of the camping experience for our visitors.

“I want to thank those people and the wider community for their understanding, patience and cooperation during this time.”

Klaassen added that the upcoming Australia Day weekend was one of the most popular camping and recreation weekends stating “we know that having a campfire is an important part of long weekend activities for visitors to our national parks and so we are pleased that many will still be able to enjoy this experience.

“QPWS rangers will be patrolling key sites over the Australia Day long weekend to ensure visitors are aware of their fire responsibilities.”

Image: Girringun National Park courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland