A QPWS imposed fire prohibition is in place in the Cooloola Recreation Area, except at Poverty Point camping area. Camp fires must not be lit anywhere else in the recreation area including in the Teewah Beach camping zones 1-7.

This permanent fire prohibition was implemented to reduce the risk of bushfires, protect critical habitat of native wildlife, enhance visitor safety from camp fire related injuries and reduce rubbish from non-combustible materials being burnt.

Fully enclosed cooking and heating appliances can still be used in camping areas that meet the below requirements.

• The appliance must use gas or manufactured fuel (heat beads, briquettes). Manufactured fuel does not include timber or wood.
• It must be used only for cooking and/or heating.
• It must be a minimum of 20cm off the ground and more than 2m from flammable materials, which includes vegetation. 
• It must not have the potential to generate airborne embers, or possibly ignite nearby ground fuels.
• It must be fully self-contained (heat source enclosed and no exposed flame) and never left unattended when in use.
• Appliances that are not fully self-contained, such as braziers, are not permitted.
• All appliances, materials and burnt fuel must be removed from the recreation area on your departure.

On-the-spot fines of $863 can be issued to people who light fires during a fire prohibition.

Camp fires are permitted at Poverty Point camping area and at nearby Inskip Peninsula Recreation Area unless as fire ban or prohibition is in place. Always check local directions and signs before lighting a fire. 

For details on the difference between a Queensland Fire Department (QFD) total fire ban and a QPWS fire prohibition and approved cooking appliances visit the DETSI Camp fires and cooking web page.

 

Please monitor park alerts on the department's website for updated information.

Stay up-to-date with Current bushfire warnings and incidents from Queensland Fire Department (QFD).