Community & Business
12 February, 2026
Permitted burn gone wrong sparks warning
A reignited permitted burn which scorched through land on a property at Cawdor north of Gowrie Junction last week has prompted a warning to the community from the Queensland Fire Department’s (QFD) Charlton base.
The blaze burned through three acres and caused a warning to be put out for smoke.
With the landscape continuing to dry around the Toowoomba Region, Rural Fire Service Toowoomba Area Manager Nathan Willis said it’s important landholders review their Bushfire Survival Plan.
“Bushfire preparation is a community effort, so it’s important residents and landholders ensure their bushfire preparation is on track,” he said.
“Make sure you have a Bushfire Survival Plan and that everyone in the house understands what you will do should a bushfire occur.”
QFD says if you need to put your plan together, head to the website (www.fire.qld.gov.au). It will only take a few minutes and could make all the difference in the event of a bushfire.
Simple steps like mowing your lawn regularly, trimming overhanging branches and getting rid of flammable materials from around your home can all help to reduce your risk.
If you’re planning on conducting a burn greater than two metres in any direction, you need to obtain a ‘Permit To Light Fire’.
Talk to your local Fire Warden or head to the QFD website for information.
