Volunteer firefighters and landowners are criticising the red tape involved in backburning approval, saying that it impedes their ability to fight the fires currently burning across Queensland.
They say the length of time it takes to get back burning approved leaves properties vulnerable to fast-moving fires.
Previously involved with the fire brigade, mango farmer Robert Sikes has been a victim of the Yeppoon bushfires, and says those with firsthand experience should have been given the responsibility to make fire management decisions on the ground.
Deputy Commissioner John Bolger says under regulations, when an internal fire danger rating reached 25 or above, the incident controller must be notified and a request logged before permission to back-burn was given.