Cause of fires yet to be found

Bushfires are under investigation

AUTHORITIES are keeping an “open mind” as to what sparked bushfires which have devastated parts of the Granite Belt as families count the cost of what has been lost.

Southern Region Assistant Commissioner Mike Condon said five houses were destroyed along with numerous sheds and extensive infrastructure in the Stanthorpe and Ballandean areas as a result of the bushfires.

Each fire outbreak is being actively investigated to identify the ignition point, with regional authorities working with the newly formed Taskforce Overcross, established to prevent, disrupt and investigate fires across the state.

“Every single (fire) is being actively investigated at the moment,” Assistant Commissioner Condon said.

“We’re trying to determine if it was by natural causes (such as) wind, broken powerlines or someone deliberately lighting fires. We remain open minded about the fires we’re dealing with.”

Police are also investigating whether campfires were lit during the complete fire ban across the southern region.

He urged anyone with information about fires to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

In thanking the hardest-hit communities for their co-operation during the height of the disaster, Assistant Commissioner Condon said people continued to ignore road blocks in some areas.

“I think one of the reasons we haven’t seen fatalities to date as a result of the fire is because people enacted their plans, they listened and acted on the critical messaging,” he said.

“A lot of the roads are still closed, and they’re closed for a reason.

“Don’t go breaching road blocks, they’re there for a reason.

“We can’t become complacent, we’re not out of it yet.”