As the countdown to the September school holidays begins, families living in Bulimba real estate will no doubt be coming up with ways to make use of the time.
Fire and Emergency Services Minister Jack Dempsey urged anyone who is thinking about enjoying a camp fire to make sure they do so safely – and be aware of the risks.
“Burns, encountering a bushfire or injuring yourself while bushwalking or swimming are all real possibilities so I encourage all holidaymakers to be well-prepared before heading on any trip,” he commented.
David Sutch, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services state community education manager, explained there are often many misconceptions about camp fires, some of which are potentially dangerous.
One of the issues you need to be aware of is that camp fires can’t be safely extinguished with sand, as it can retain heat as intense as 100 degrees C for as long as eight hours.
Although you might no longer be able to see the flames, the fire can suddenly reignite and cause injury to those around it.
It’s also a good idea to check whether a camp fire is allowed in the area you’re in, as there might be a temporary order in place that prevents you from igniting one.