Cause of bushfires unknown

A RURAL Fire Service volunteer has been questioned over a grassfire which broke out at Nanango East earlier this week.

The 18-year-old was later released by police after being questioned over the Wednesday blaze, as investigations continue into what sparked bushfires across the greater Southern police region.

Those fires include devastating blazes on the Granite Belt that specialist investigators under Taskforce Overcross are yet to determine how they started.

Despite reports suggesting an accidental ignition, Taskforce Overcross investigators have yet to pinpoint the exact cause.

The Overcross investigators, which include specialists from the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services and police arson squad from State Crime Command, are on the ground in the Granite Belt running down several lines of inquiry in relation to the fires.

Police Southern Region Assistant Commissioner Mike Condon said investigators were keeping an “open mind” as to the possible cause in all fires.

“The biggest issue is the backpackers in that region,” he said.

“We’ve put out various flyers in different languages to understand how critically important it is not to light fires.

“As with every investigation, we will look at whether it was deliberate or accidental and, if it is accidental, how much negligence was involved.”

Investigations are likewise continuing into what started a fire at a solar farm at Yarranlea which caused extensive damage to equipment at the property.

Assistant Commissioner Condon thanked the community for its co-operation and understanding during the bushfire emergency.

Roads in the Granite Belt region have been reopened to local traffic and necessary transport, with visitors to the region encouraged to delay their travel plans as the recovery continues.