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A travel influencer has been fined for illegally lighting a fire at heritage-listed Australian tourist destination K’gari (formerly Fraser Island), off the coast of Queensland.
Bridget Crosato, who boasts over 80K Instagram followers, was issued the infringement notice after rangers noticed smoke rising from her campsite.
The fire was dug into a shallow sand pit – an act prohibited under Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) rules, which allow campfires only in designated communal fire rings at specific, marked sites.
She was also cautioned for flying a drone over a camping area, where drone use is restricted.
Bridget shared footage of the illegal fire being lit in a YouTube video titled ‘Her first 4wd on Fraser Island (K’gari), which was uploaded in October
The video reached over 50,000 views on the YouTube channel Red Dirt.
Travel influencer Bridget Crosato (pictured) has been fined for illegally lighting a fire at heritage-listed Australian tourist destination K’gari (formerly Fraser Island), off the coast of Queensland
QPWS senior ranger Chad Hoult said the penalty served as a ‘stark reminder’ that the island’s fire regulations apply to everyone, including content creators.
‘Disregarding these rules poses a serious threat to K’gari’s delicate environment, unique wildlife, and rich cultural heritage,’ Mr Hoult said in a QPWS-issued statement.
‘Illegal fires can quickly become bushfires that impact the island’s natural and cultural values and put lives at risk.
‘We are lucky this wasn’t the case with this fire, however, we have seen illegal campfires become significant bushfires on Mulgumpin (Moreton Island) and at Teewah.
QPWS senior ranger Chad Hoult said the penalty served as a ‘stark reminder’ that the island’s fire regulations apply to everyone, including content creators. (Pictured: The shores of K’gari)
‘The QPWS is committed to protecting our spectacular national parks, ensuring they remain safe and enjoyable now and into the future.’
It comes five years after an unrelated illegal fire led to more than half of K’gari being burnt.
The bushfire – sparked by an illegal campfire near Orange Creek – swept through 85,000 hectares thanks to high temperatures and strong dry northly winds.
It led to a two-month response effort, with four men facing court in January 2020 for their part in failing to properly extinguish the illegal campfire.
