FIRES PROHIBITED IN SOUTH-EAST QUEENSLAND’S PARKS AND FORESTS

Fire restrictions have been put in place in all national parks and forests within south-east Queensland as surrounding bush fires contribute to the smoke blanket over Brisbane’s CBD.

Environment Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said a fire weather warning for parts of south-east Queensland had prompted the QueenslandParks and Wildlife Service to prohibit all fires in national parks from the Gold Coast to the SunshineCoast until further notice.

“With the current extreme hot and dry conditions in the south east, and bush fires at Mt Barney, Mt Lindsay, Nerang and Maleny, we need to exercise caution to protect ourselves, wildlife and property from fire risk.

“All open fires or wood barbecues, including those using fire rings, fire beads and designated fire places, are prohibited under the restrictions so if you do need to boil the billy or cook a sausage, please use a gas or fuel stove,” the Minister said.

“Fuel stoves such as gas barbecues are permitted, but extra care must be taken even with those.

“People enjoying our national parks and forests in the Toowoomba and Great Sandy region can still use designated fire places such as outdoor barbecue facilities but they should do so with extreme caution.”

Ms Nelson-Carr said rangers would be patrolling to make sure fires were not lit.

“On-the-spot fines of up to $12,375 apply to anyone found breaching the prohibition.

“There will be a high to very high fire danger over the next few days, with temperatures forecast in the 30s and poor prospects for rain.

“The EPA will continue to liaise with the Bureau of Meteorology and monitor air quality in south-east Queensland.“

Media contact: Karla Steen on 3336 8004 or Andie Gatti on 3336 8002