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?
ReplyDeleteHels, we have cane fires or they have them in some cane fields up north to remove dead leaves and weeds, make harvesting faster and more efficient, and prevent cold, wet heavy clay soils from rotting new crop growth, pest control. Not all cane farmers burn their cane.
DeleteDramatic photos! I guess it's an easy way to get rid of the waste from the sugar beets.
ReplyDeleteYes Marit, pests and other reasons.
DeleteI've learned something today!!
ReplyDeleteThanks. : )
You are welcome.
DeleteWow! To both the video and your photographs. Quite dramatic!
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Yes, it is dramatic when done at nighttime which is always the case. Fire Brigade is notified along with other authorities.
DeleteOMGosh. 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.
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome, Nicole. Not all cane farmers burn their crop when the time comes to do so. I didn't know anything about 'cane' till we visited the area and then I learnt something new each time we were in the cane growing area.
DeleteDramatic photos of the cane fires. Wow!!
ReplyDeleteSure does light up the night sky. The smoke has a sweet smell to it.
DeleteI liked to chew on sugar cane when I was a little kid..but why burn them? Over production?
ReplyDeleteI have never chewed on sugar cane, had plenty of opportunity, I guess.
DeleteThey burn the can to remove dead leaves and weeds, make harvesting faster and more efficient, and prevent cold, wet heavy clay soils from rotting new crop growth, pest control. Not all cane farmers burn their cane.
After the can is burnt it is gathered put on a cane train and taken to the mill to be processed, Angie.
Nothing to do with over production.
Dear 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
Anette, you understand both side of the process of 'cane'. I guess because it's burnt at night or just as the sun is about to go down the smoke doesn't seem to cause anyone a problem. People that live in the area know that that is time to do that particular job so they close their windows and so on. We when staying in the area didn't have a problem with the smoke at all, we often went driving to find cane burning, nearly got sort of lost many times doing this on the side roads.
DeleteDear Margaret, your photos are amazing!!! Thank you so much for sharing, dear friend.
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome Linda.
DeleteMuy interesante tu publicación. En algunos países y regiones suelen quemar la caña para entre otras razones eliminar mosquitos y otros insectos. También para quemar la paja que rodea a la caña y que sea mas fácil su recolección. Un abrazo. Margaret
ReplyDeleteYes they are some of the reasons Gil. It's good you have knowledge of that.
DeleteThe smoke is amazing and it perhaps just as well it is severely restricted now. It must have good to see it first hand.
ReplyDeleteOh it was good to see it Andrew, we heard lots of crackling ran outside to see the flames high in the sky - just so good to see it in reality. Burning is controlled and causes no one any harm or discomfort as far as I'm away, we didn't even smell the smoke until we got closer.
DeleteThe burn offs are quite something to see - BUT watch out for the snakes getting
ReplyDeleteout of the way.
They have the burn offs right up the coast.
The tours of the factories to process the burn for the sugar is very interesting and
they have excellent restaurant facilities. I have been to the one at Nambour just up from Brisbane. Somewhere up the coast the sugar train runs through the township
from the burn to the factory.
Lovely day here in Terrigal - the seal on the beach has attracted many sightseers
so the restaurant owners are jumping for joy.
Cheers
Colin
I've got photos of the sugar train or a sugar train I should say. Yes, there are a few towns that have the cane trains go through their towns Colin.
DeleteIt's a sweet smell when burning the cane and it smells nice.
So there is a seal on the beach? Oh my, we have just had Neil the seal visit our east coast for while, he's gone now.
That's very interesting Margaret, I was a bit worried at first and glad to know it was a controlled burn. Very dramatic photos and video, thanks for sharing. You've probably heard Canada is having some horrid fires up their way. Hoping that everyone will be okay. The firefighters are always our heroes. We have fires also in Minnesota and ones the Pacific Northwest. Temperatures seem to be a little cooler in our area now. Hopefully it will be the same for our northern neighbors. They sure could do with some rain.
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome, Denise.
DeleteYes, we have had photos of the fires in Canada on the TV news along with fires in Spain, just dreadful. Didn't know there were other areas having fires but I guess it happens all over the place. I do hope everyone is safe.
Rain is very handy when there are fires and even when there are not any as long as it knows when to stop and not flood and ruin things.
Uy aunque es una quema controlada si da miedo que se descontrole. Te mando un beso.
ReplyDeleteThey have authorities there when they burn the cane and I've never heard of a controlled fire getting out of control - yet!
Delete"PRE" harvest burning? I thought the canes only got burned AFTER harvesting.
ReplyDeleteNo it's not only done after harvesting R. After harvesting it is sometimes done to clean the ground. Then done as in the photos and then chopped up put on the cane train and taken to the cane mill.
Delete200 thousand people in France and Spain have had to leave their homes due to fires--- Just seeing these pictures made me a bit nervous. It could happen here.
ReplyDeleteYes fires are not good Bill. I knew about the ones in Spain and Canada and didn't know about France, the fires moves so quickly in the summer and it's sad when people get burnt and lose their homes. May everyone be safe.
DeleteThe sugar cane is well controlled and of course there is only one or two farmhouses attached to each cane farm.
Amazing dramatic images.
ReplyDeleteGreetings
They are dramatic and such an education to see it, as it teaches you so much as to why and how.
DeleteHello Margaret,
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos and video of the burning of the sugarcane stalks.
I actually think it is unacceptable because of the environment, all that smoke is harmful to humans and animals.
They should ban it and find another way to remove the stalks from the cane.
I wish you a lovely weekend.
All the best, Irma
Irma, there is hardly anyone that lives near where the cane is burnt. At the most 2 farmhouses, then many fields of cane, then another house. The smoke doesn't seem to cause anyone any harm; it didn't us and being burnt very late in the afternoon and nighttime when most people are inside no one takes any notice of it for it is their way of life in that season. I hope that helps to explain. Plus, the season is winter when they do it.
DeleteThis is interesting, but the fires are so scary. I don’t know anything about growing sugarcane.
ReplyDeleteIf it was a bush fire or fires that they are having in other parts of the world it would be very scary. No problems with the cane fires, as the cane fields are very big and very controlled.
DeleteNon sapevo che prima di raccoglierla andasse bruciata.
ReplyDeleteMamma mia che spettacolo.
Certainly is a big show but that didn't last that long. Just a lot of crackling then high flames then nothing. All happened rather quickly.
DeleteWhat a spectacle—burning the sugarcane in the video and photos!
ReplyDeleteI hope it’s a controlled burn; otherwise, it could get dangerous. You really have to wonder if it’s necessary!
Oh yes, very controlled burn it is against the law to not be controlled well.
DeleteYes it is necessary for many reason. They are cane farmers and they know.
There are too many fires of other kinds these days! I doubt that I would want to be anywhere near sugarcane burning.
ReplyDeleteYes, there are many fires at the moment in this world, shocking and sad.
DeleteThe cane fires are controlled, a lot of crackling at first, then flames, then nothing, happens quickly and always done late afternoon towards sunset and when dark. There is not wind either, as that is the best time to do it...the cane farmers know.
Information I didn't know about sugarcane burning.
ReplyDeleteHave lovely weekend, Margaret.
Well I once didn't know either, never ever gave it a thought till we visited where the cane is grown here in Australia and burnt in the winter ready to go to the mill.
DeleteIt's all very interesting, Giorgio.
Margaret, over here the burning of sugarcane is illegal because the burning reduces populations of beneficial microorganisms and alters key enzymatic processes. These functions are essential for recycling nutrients, forming organic matter, and ensuring the natural fertility of the soil.
ReplyDeleteHugs
Burning the sugarcane is bound to do something to it. How interesting it's banned over your way, the burning of the sugarcane. Sometimes sugarcane farmers burn after the cane harvest.
DeleteSomething new to me, thanks for sharing, Margaret.
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome Bill.
DeleteThe photos are stunning, a delight to paint. Unfortunately, we now have large, uncontrolled fires here with the intense heat waves and human negligence.
ReplyDeleteRegards.
Be safe and I have seen on the TV news the strength of the fires, not good.
DeleteThe crackling flames, drifting smoke, and unexpected sight of a cane fire turning an ordinary evening in Proserpine into a uniquely Queensland experience.
ReplyDeleteThe burning is done when there is not breeze, they the farmers choose their nights to burn. Certainly is unique to certain areas of the cane country. Another town may not burn at all.
DeleteWow, Margaret, the crackle and glow must have been unforgettable.
ReplyDeleteThanks for explaining the reasons behind the burn -- I learned something new today.
Certainly was and is unforgettable, Vernonica certainly something that I wouldn't wanted to have missed in the winter.
DeleteAmazing scene. I was relieved to know they follow the restrictions.
ReplyDeleteYes very strict instructions and they are heavily fined if they don't adhere to those instructions.
DeleteWow, now that's really something to see.
ReplyDeleteYes it is Mary, a beautiful thing but only in very small patches even the crops are large.
DeleteDas kannte ich noch nicht bei uns wird für Zucker Zuckerrüben genutzt.
ReplyDeleteGruß
Noke
Oh ok, I've heard of sugar beets.
DeleteZačnu tím, že u nás se cukr vyrábí z cukrové řepy a většina lidí sladí tímto cukrem. Třtinový cukr se prodává, ale je to malé množství. Proto je takový příspěvek pro mne novinkou, pěstování třtiny neznám a z takového požáru jde strach. Bála bych se, že takové pálení se vymkne z rukou.
ReplyDeleteI've heard of sugar beet. The cane fires are ok, they are well looked after and don't get out of hand with many authorities about and a very heavy fine if the rules are not adhered too. The fires are not as big as they look because all the farmers cane isn't ready to burn all at the same time. It's normal to them and those that live there where it's all done. So no worries.
DeleteA contained fire can be beautiful.
ReplyDeleteIt sure can, and those that do it are used to it and those that live in these areas are also used to it. It's in the sub to tropical areas as well.
DeleteI can only imagine how unexpected that must have been the first time. The photos really capture the intensity of the fire against the evening sky, and I like that you included the background about why cane burning still happens. It turned a surprising moment into something I learned from.
ReplyDeleteWe first heard the crackle then looked out the door and saw a fire, amazing when we found out all was safe, Melody.
DeleteHave a nice day!
ReplyDeleteThank you Anne.
DeleteEs bueno obedecer las normas. Controlar los fuegos está muy bien. Las fotos impresionan Margaret. En España ahora es tremendo ver noticias, fuego por todas partes. Gracias.
ReplyDeleteBuena semana.
Un abrazo.
Yes must obey the rules when it comes to fires that are controlled.
DeleteI did see on our news the devastation of the fires in Spain. Dreadful.
I didn't know that sugarcane was intentionally burned as an agricultural practice. We are always learning. It's important to follow the established rules for the fire to be controlled.
ReplyDeleteImpressive images and we can hear the sound of the fire very well.
Have a nice week
Not all sugarcane is burnt Maria, just in some areas where it's grown.
DeleteDreadful fires over your way I believe. Stay safe.
Muy interesante tu entrada Margaret. Estos días estamos muy tristes por aquí con tantos incendios en España y también en Francia, espero que pronto se apaguen. Besos.
ReplyDeleteI'm aware of the fires in Spain and France, Teresa. Stay safe such a dreadful thing fires not under control.
DeleteHopefully, they can control the burning process, as some regions of the Earth are currently experiencing extreme heat.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, have a nice day.
Oh yes, it's only a small burning of the sugarcane and done in wintertime.
DeleteI'm aware of the fires in some cities on this earth in the summertime, it's winter here in Australia.
It is quite a dramatic sight to see and smell cane burning.
ReplyDeleteIt is spectacular Diane, well I think it is, love the smell of the sweetness as well.
DeleteSo interesting. Many do not understand or see the need for burning the residue. We really only have one crop in our area that requires burning and that is flax. Certainly not as intense of a fire as cane though!
ReplyDeleteSo many don't seem to understand at all and never will, Jim and Barb. I believe you have to be a farmer, worked on a farm or similar to understand these things.
DeleteI've seen a video or two of flax burning.
Sending Positive Vibes
ReplyDeleteCheers
Same to you and thanks.
DeleteThat is a very interesting piece about cane fires. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDelete❤︎ Natalie
The Muse Photographs Blog and Instagram
You are welcome.
Deletethis is horrible to know dear friend!
ReplyDeleteno doubt that dry weeds catch fire immediately
sending love and prayers to you and loved ones!
Thank you Baili, but all is well.
Delete