Teenager is arrested, accused of starting huge Yeppoon bushfire that destroyed 14 homes

Teenage boy, 16, accused of starting a huge bushfire that destroyed 36 buildings in Queensland is arrested over ‘pathetic arson attack’

  • A 16-year-old boy has been arrested and accused of starting the bushfire 
  • At least 14 homes were also burnt to the ground in the deliberately-lit fire
  • He hasn’t charged but will be dealt with under the state’s Youth Justice Act

A 16-year-old boy has been arrested and accused of starting the bushfire near Yeppoon, on the central Queensland coast, that destroyed 36 buildings.

At least 14 homes were also burnt to the ground in the deliberately-lit fire which started at Cobraball at about 1.30pm on Saturday.

It then ravaged the surrounding areas of Bungundarra, Adelaide Park, Maryville and Lake Mary.

Police say the teenager has not been charged with arson, but will be dealt with under the state’s Youth Justice Act. 

At least 14 homes in Yeppoon, on the central Queensland coast, also burnt to the ground in the deliberately-lit fire

Commissioner Gollschewski praised the efforts of fire crews, and said it’s a miracle no lives were lost in Queensland. 

‘Yes, we have properties lost, but it could have been a whole lot worse,’ he said. 

The Cobraball fire, near Yeppoon, is still burning days after it destroyed homes, sheds and cars. 

Conditions are expected to ease on Thursday, but temperatures are heating up further into the weekend.

More than 70 fires are now burning across the state since the current crisis erupted a week ago.

The most significant blazes burning as of midday on Thursday are at Noosa North Shore on the Sunshine Coast, the small town of Woodgate near Bundaberg, and Black Snake, in the Gympie region. 

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has asked Queenslanders to put their community above themselves and avoid reckless acts that could spark a fire.

Health officials have warned vulnerable people to stay indoors, with air quality expected to plunge again on Wednesday as smoke from the Queensland and NSW fires spreads.

The Cobraball fire, near Yeppoon, is still burning days after it destroyed homes, sheds and cars

The Cobraball fire, near Yeppoon, is still burning days after it destroyed homes, sheds and cars

 

 

 

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