Cane fire stops traffic

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

A CANE field fire caused stopped traffic on the Bruce Highway yesterday for two hours.

The fire happened at 3.15pm near the Draper Rd intersection at Gordonvale and closed the highway while fire crews from Gordonvale, Cairns South and the Meringa Rural Fire Service worked to contain the fire which started on the eastern side of the highway.

"The wind was lighting up the cane on the western side and carrying the embers," Gordonvale Fire Station lieutenant Darren Warncke said.

"We had to backburn with the help of the rural brigade."

The fire has sparked a warning from firefighters for smokers to dispose of their cigarette butts safely.

Mr Warncke said while the fire was still being investigated, arson had not been ruled out.

He said students smoking after school may be to blame.

"It's always possible, as it's happened before," Mr Warncke said.

"Or it could have been a driver throwing their butt out the window of their car."

<strong>Backburn:</strong> Firefighters worked for two hours to control a fire in a cane paddock at Gordonvale yesterday. Firemen say the fire could have been started by a cigarette.

Backburn: Firefighters worked for two hours to control a fire in a cane paddock at Gordonvale yesterday. Firemen say the fire could have been started by a cigarette.

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