Proserpine is the heart of sugar cane country in North Queensland, renowned for endless cane fields and its towering sugar mill. The industry generates hundreds of millions locally, serving as the region's lifeblood since its establishment in 1879.
In Queensland, pre-harvest sugar cane burning is highly restricted. Under Queensland Fire Department regulations, cane fires are legally prohibited from being conducted between 10 am and 2 pm to mitigate fire risks and smoke hazards. Most scheduled burns happen in the late afternoon, around sunset, or overnight.
Cane burning takes place during the annual harvest and crushing season, which runs from June through to December. While about 85% of Queensland's crop is now harvested 'green' intentional burning still occurs in specific regions.
I have posted photos of cane burning a few years back, I don't recall seeing these photos I took on a post on my blog. We stayed in a caravan park in Prosperine a long way from home, and it was late evening when we heard the crackle of the cane fire and of course we smelt the smoke, we headed to the gate to see what was going on as it was a surprise to us seeing cane burn for the first time. If your sound is quiet, you might need to turn it up to hear the noise.
Why do we need cane fires anyhow?
ReplyDeleteDramatic photos! I guess it's an easy way to get rid of the waste from the sugar beets.
ReplyDeleteI've learned something today!!
ReplyDeleteThanks. : )
Wow! To both the video and your photographs. Quite dramatic!
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
OMGosh. I don't know anything about cane growing and I certainly didn't know they burn every year. The video and your photos are quite impressive. Thank you for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteDramatic photos of the cane fires. Wow!!
ReplyDeleteI liked to chew on sugar cane when I was a little kid..but why burn them? Over production?
ReplyDeleteDear Margaret,
ReplyDeleteThank you for another very interesting post. I had no idea that sugar cane is sometimes burned before harvesting. I learned something new today.
My first thought was about the environmental impact of the smoke, but then I realized there is another side to the story. Farming is often a balance between practical needs, safety and protecting nature. It is rarely as simple as it first appears.
Your photos and the sound of the fire must have made this an unforgettable experience. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Warm regards,
Anette