Smoke Alert - Planned Burn Cape Upstart National Park
Published on 21 July 2026
The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) conducts planned burns on parks and forests to support a healthy environment and reduce the risk and intensity of bushfires.
QPWS will conduct a planned burn in Cape Upstart National Park between 22 July 2026 to 7 August 2026, weather permitting.
As a result, smoke may be seen in the local areas and beyond.
If visiting Cape Upstart National Park area, observe all signs, barriers, and directions from QPWS Rangers and never enter closed areas.
Avoid driving through smoke where possible and be aware of firefighters working in the area.
Planned burns are vital in promoting ecological health, biodiversity, and the conservation of species and habitats.
They also aim to mitigate the risk and intensity of bushfires and their potential impacts on communities, infrastructure, parks, and forests.
Planned burns are highly weather-dependent, generally requiring milder conditions and minimal wind.
These same weather conditions can also allow smoke to accumulate and linger until weather conditions change and winds assist in dispersing the smoke.
If smoke affects you:
- stay indoors and close windows and doors; and
- keep respiratory medication close by.
Public safety is the highest consideration in all QPWS fire management activities. To find out more visit the Fire management webpage.
Live air quality data, and information on smoke and dust health actions, can be found on the Queensland Government’s website: https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/management/monitoring/air.
You can stay updated with local QPWS fire activities by visiting Park Alerts or by following Qld Park Alerts on X (formerly known as Twitter).
ENDS
Media contact: DETSI Media Unit on (07) 3339 5831 or media@detsi.qld.gov.au