The Queensland Fire and Emergency Service (QFES) has declared a fire ban on North Stradbroke Island from 12:01am Friday 23 December 2016 until 11:59pm Monday 30 January 2017.

Rural Fire Service (RFS) Brisbane Regional Manager Wayne Waltisbuhl said the current dry conditions and fuel loads near camping areas meant that camp fires could get out of control easily and cause bushfires that could spread quickly, threatening the community and campers.

“Under a local fire ban the lighting of all fire in the open is prohibited and all Permits to Light Fire which have been issued in the designated areas have been cancelled,” Mr Waltisbuhl said.

Mr Waltisbuhl said the following types of fires were permitted during a local fire ban, providing conditions were followed:

• Fires within a properly constructed barbeque (gas or electric) if not left unattended;
• Fires for the purpose of disposing of animal carcasses subject to the issue of a Permit to Light Fire by the Chief Fire Warden/ Area Director Rural Fire Service.
• Fires of commercial necessity subject to the issue of a Permit to Light Fire by the Chief Fire Warden / Area Director Rural Fire Service;

Please note power tools (listed below) can be used, however QFES encourages people using this equipment to take extreme care to ensure there is adequate equipment available to extinguish any fire that may start. This should include having a person available to watch out and take necessary action for any ignitions that may occur.

Authorised power tools:

• welders
• grinding equipment
• lawnmowers
• mechanical slashers
• equipment that when used may cause ignition of vegetation

Residents are advised to contact Triple Zero (000) if they see a fire.