Authorities are urging Australians to obey signs at national parks after more than 10 people were found inside a cordoned-off area while firefighters tackled two bushfires.
According to a news article by Yahoo News, the popular Blackdown Tableland National Park in central Queensland was temporarily closed on October 27 after lightning strikes sparked bushfires.
Signs were quickly erected, and firefighters rushed in; however, authorities discovered that visitors had still entered the park despite the danger.
The Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) said visitors had gone as far as cutting locked gates to access the closed areas.
Frustrated DETSI Project Officer Eliza Wheeler criticized the illegal behaviour.
“This closure is in place to keep people safe and support crucial firefighting efforts,” Wheeler said.
“Entering a closed section of a national park is dangerous, especially when rangers are fighting bushfires. Ignoring temporary closures stops rangers from doing their job and puts people and properties in danger,” Wheeler added.
The national park remains closed, with DETSI confirming that fires are ongoing. Individuals caught entering restricted areas can face on-the-spot fines of $667, and authorities have urged Australians to stay out of harm’s way, both for their own safety and for the safety of those fighting the fires.
“People are advised that they should never enter closed areas, they should obey all signage and follow directions from rangers,” Wheeler said.
The park had also been closed earlier in the year, from May to August, while authorities upgraded and resealed the main access road.
The park attracts thousands of visitors annually, making compliance with closures essential for safety and ongoing conservation efforts.
The incident underscores the importance of respecting park closures to ensure safe and sustainable access for outdoor recreation.