Protect yourself and your fellow campers from injury by practicing good campfire safety. People who are severely burnt on their hands and feet can undergo months or even years of intensive therapy to regain mobility in their limbs.

What are the dangers? 

Injury

• Less than one second of body-contact with a campfire that has a temperature of over 70 degrees will result in a significant burn. 

Bushfire

• When you put your campfire out with water you also reduce the risk of accidentally starting a grass or bushfire. Bushfires can burn out of control and be a serious threat to property and wildlife. 

Loss of property

• Fire could damage camping equipment and ruin your holiday. The cost of replacing your equipment can vary, but the inconvenience and time lost cannot be retrieved.

Before you light a fire:

• Check for current fire bans. 
• Check with local council if a permit is required to camp or have campfires or barbecues, or if there are any local restrictions which prohibit the lighting of fire, the positioning of the fire, and if it must be contained within a brazier, fire pit or similar device.

If you are camping in a National Park check the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service website for any restrictions on lighting fires. 

Positioning

• Position your campfire in a cleared area, where there are no overhanging branches and minimal grass and scrub.
• Make sure the campfire is a safe distance from tents, and any other camping equipment is stored well away, especially flammable items such as gas bottles and fuel cans.

Building

• Where possible, use a fireplace such as a barbeque pit or existing fire pit. If there is no existing fire pit, build one surrounded with large rocks to prevent the escape of fire or burning materials. When selecting rocks, be aware that heated river or creek stones may shatter if cooled quickly.
• Only burn seasoned dry firewood, untreated timbers or commercial hot coals.
• Make sure you have enough water nearby to put out the fire before you light up.

Starting

• Start your campfire using an appropriate ignition source such as matches, paper and small kindling.
• Never use any kind of flammable liquids (such as petrol) on a fire to get it started.

Monitoring

• Never leave a fire unattended, and do not leave it burning overnight. Extinguish your campfire before you leave your campsite or go to bed.
• Do not leave children unsupervised near a campfire.
• Keep smoke to a minimum and monitor the fire to keep it to a controllable size. 

Extinguishing

• Put your campfire out with water when you have finished with it.  Water will extinguish and cool a fire to much safer temperatures to avoid burns. Fires left to self-extinguish and those extinguished with sand or dirt can spontaneously re-ignite and retain higher heat levels for longer periods, which can result in serious burns. 
• If you need to conserve your water supply, save your washing up water to use on your campfire. 
• Leave the stones in place to mark the fire location to make them easy to spot and encourage others to use the same place. 
• Be careful when pouring water on the fire as the steam can also cause burns.
   

For more information, download the Campfire and Camping Safety Information Sheet (PDF, 308 KB), Campfire Safety (PPTX, 12 MB), or visit the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service Website.

Keep yourself and others safe when lighting an open air fire on your property by following these guidelines.

Before you light a fire

• Check for current fire bans. Visit the Fire Bans and Restrictions website or call the Free Call Fire Ban line on 1800 020 440 to check if there are fire bans in your local government area.
• Check with your local council to see if there are any local laws which prohibit the lighting of fire on your property, the positioning of the fire, and if it must be contained within a brazier, fire pit or similar device.
• Make yourself aware of any smoke nuisance laws and restrictions in your local government area.

Positioning

• Fires should be positioned in cleared areas, where there are no overhanging branches and minimal grass and scrub.
• Keep the fire a safe distance from structures such as fences or sheds, and flammable items such as gas cylinders, fuel cans and camping equipment.

Preparing the fire

• Where possible, the fire should be lit in a properly constructed barbecue or fire pit, preferably surrounded by large rocks, constructed to prevent the escape of fire or burning materials.
• The fire must be smaller than two metres in all directions. Any larger fires require a permit to light fire.
• Do not burn garden vegetation or other rubbish.
• You should only burn seasoned dry firewood, untreated timbers or commercial hot coals.
• Make sure that you have enough water nearby to put out the fire before you light up. If possible, keep a connected hose nearby.

Starting the fire

• Start your fire using a cigarette lighter, matches or other appropriate ignition source.
• Do no use flammable liquids such as petrol to get the fire started.
• Keep smoke to a minimum.

Monitoring the fire

• Never leave the fire unattended. Someone must be with the fire to monitor it at all times, and to make sure it has been completely extinguished.
• Never leave children unattended around the fire.

Extinguishing the fire

• Use water to put out your fire once you have finished with it.
• Never use sand or dirt to put out your fire. The fire will stay hot for a long time and could cause serious injuries.
• Do not put hot coals into garden beds or other areas where they may catch alight.

Download the Information Sheet (PDF, 188 KB) 

From 1 July 2024, all caravans or motorhomes whose registration is commencing or being transferred must have a photoelectric smoke alarm installed.

From 1 July 2027, all other registered caravans and motorhomes must have a photoelectric smoke alarm installed.

The smoke alarm must comply with Australian Standard 3786-2014.

Information sheets

• Fire safety for caravans and motorhomes (PDF, 335 KB)
• Safety checklist for caravans and motorhomes (PDF, 231 KB)

Simple precautions, responsible behaviour, common sense and cleanliness are essential when using barbecues, whether they are in a backyard or on a balcony.

Restrictions

Be aware of, and ensure you comply with, any fire restrictions that may be in place:

• Total Fire Bans
• National park restrictions
• Local council by-laws
• Body corporate by-laws and lease restrictions

Tips for having a safe barbecue

Before

• Follow the manufacturer's instructions and use the correct start up and shut down procedures.
• Ensure that your barbecue is serviced and maintained correctly:
  • Schedule pressure testing of any gas cylinders.
  • Check the condition of all hoses and connections (e.g. no rust or damage and connections are tightened on gas barbecues).
• Always place a barbecue on a firm, level base sheltered from wind gusts and well away from anything flammable like garden sheds, vegetation, fences etc.
• Only use a barbecue in a well-ventilated area as fumes and gases emitted may be harmful.

During

• If unable to light, shut down and allow excess gas to clear before trying to light the barbecue again.
• If a gas leak does occur, shut off the cylinder immediately and allow any gas to dissipate.
• Have a garden hose or similar continuous supply of water available at all times.
• Ensure that the lit barbecue is in the care of a responsible adult at all times.
• Never put any flammable liquid (e.g. petrol or kerosene) on or near a barbecue.
• As well as being extremely dangerous, children may be encouraged to copy your actions.
• Remember, it is the fumes from the liquid that catch fire rather than the liquid itself.
• Keep children away from any lit barbecue and remember to remove and secure any lighters and matches.

After

• Clean the barbecue and grease tray of grease before lighting and after use to prevent flare ups and fat fires.
• Be aware that barbecues can still be hot after use. E.g. Charcoal can take up to 48 hours to cool.
• Turn off at cylinder valve after use.
• Store gas cylinders outside.

Tips for barbecuing on the balcony

• Use in an open and well ventilated area – not inside or within an enclosed area. Some units have dedicated areas on the balcony for barbecues with a fitting for a gas supply.
• Clear the area of items stored near the barbecue.
• Consider having a fire extinguisher available.
• If the flames become uncontrolled:
  • If safe to do so, flip the lid down.
  • Turn off the cylinder valve.
  • Be aware of the conditions on the balcony:
    • Is it too windy to light?
    • Will this be a danger to yourself or your neighbours?
• Be aware that smoke from barbecues can trigger smoke alarms.

Careless disposal of cigarettes, lighters and matches are often the cause of destructive bushfires that start at roadside locations. 

• Extinguish cigarettes completely before discarding.
• Never throw a cigarette or cigarette butt outside of your car.
• Dispose of cigarette butts responsibly.

The Cane Burning Notification gives cane growers the authority to burn sugar cane in accordance with the Fire and Emergency Services Act 1990, provided minimum conditions are met.

What is the Cane Burning Notification used for?

The Cane Burning Notification (notification) is one of two mechanisms available to cane growers to ensure that burning of sugar cane is authorised in accordance with the Fire and Emergency Services Act 1990.

The notification issued in the Queensland Government Gazette on 31 May 2019, sets out minimum conditions for the burning of sugar cane and replaces previous versions released in 2004 and 2010.

Cane Burning Notification 31 May 2019. (PDF, 58 KB)

When should cane growers apply for a Permit to Light Fire?

Cane growers must apply for a Permit to Light Fire if they cannot meet the conditions of the notification or if they are unsure.

Any cane grower can apply for a Permit to Light Fire, regardless of whether their land is eligible for burning under the notification.

Compliance Checklist for the Cane Burning Notification. (PDF, 854 KB)

Road classes and land parcel mapping

Two mapping tools are available for use by growers to help determine if a parcel of cane land is eligible for burning under the Cane Burning Notification.

Fire Warden Finder 

Queensland Globe

Contact your Fire Warden

Cane growers should check with their Fire Warden if they are unsure if their cane is eligible for burning under the Cane Burning Notification, or to confirm the minimum conditions that are needed for compliance.

Find your local Fire Warden here

Enter your address into the search bar and it will display the fire warden district and contact number of the Fire Warden for that address.

Further information

Information sheet about the Cane Burning Notification (PDF, 644 KB)

Road and land parcel mapping for the Cane Burning Notification (PDF, 2.16 MB)

Who can use fireworks

In Queensland, the use of fireworks is exclusively permitted for trained and licensed contractors and operators. The use of fireworks by an unlicensed individual may lead to a maximum penalty of $61,920 or a six-month imprisonment. 

Notifying the local community

To facilitate a fireworks display, it is mandatory to notify the local community around the display site based on the scale of fireworks being used. Information about upcoming firework displays can be found on the Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) upcoming fireworks webpage. If you live near a location with regular displays and aren’t receiving notifications from the fireworks contractor, we recommend reaching out directly to the venue and the fireworks contractor to be added to their notification list. Details of licensed firework contractors can be found on the RSHQ fireworks contractor webpage. 

Ensuring a safe display

In addition to informing the local community, the fireworks contractor has a responsibility to notify RSHQ (the fireworks regulatory body) and other government agencies, including QFES, providing comprehensive details of the display. RSHQ reviews the display notification to ensure strict adherence to the Queensland Control of outdoor fireworks displays code of practice. Simultaneously, agencies such as QFES receive and conduct thorough reviews on the notification to ensure compliance with the relevant codes they oversee, including fireworks risk during periods of fire bans.

Fireworks fire safety

For each display a notification is sent to the local area director of QFES for evaluation, this notification includes comprehensive details of the display to ensure a thorough review can be undertaken. If concerns arise, a fire warden may conduct an inspection of the display site to help evaluate and mitigate the fire risk. If you are in any doubt about permission to conduct any display, please get in touch with your local Rural Fire Service Office. 

Fireworks during fire bans

The use of fireworks during a fire ban is allowed, provided that appropriate steps have been taken. During a fire ban, contractors are required to notify both QFES and RSHQ. Specifically, RSHQ mandates the submission of the following:

• Written confirmation that the display site as been inspected to ensure the selection of a safe firing site.
• A letter from QFES indicating their non-objection to the display proceeding.
• Notification of any special requirements imposed by QFES on the display.

Reporting illegal fireworks

Illegal use of fireworks can have severe consequences within the community. Apart from the disturbance and nuisance to the community, illegal fireworks have the potential to damage property, start fires and cause serious injury. If you witness or hear illegal fireworks, we urge you to report such incidents to Policelink (Ph: 131 444) for an immediate response. You can also report illegal fireworks to RSHQ via the fireworks complaints form. 

Recovery and disposal of fireworks 

There is no penalty for surrendering explosives. If you wish to surrender explosives call RSHQ’s 24-hour Explosives Hotline on 1300 739 868.