Queensland police say a discarded cigarette likely sparked the bushfire which destroyed 11 homes and the historic Binna Burra Lodge in the Gold Coast hinterland in September.

Key points: Police reveal the Binna Burra fire, that destroyed the historic Lodge and 11 houses, was caused by a discarded cigarette

Police reveal the Binna Burra fire, that destroyed the historic Lodge and 11 houses, was caused by a discarded cigarette Police will not lay charges against the two teenagers, aged 17 and 19

Police will not lay charges against the two teenagers, aged 17 and 19 Fines apply in Queensland for people caught tossing cigarette butts

Officers said two local teenagers — aged 17 and 19 — had been questioned about the incident and detectives had determined the fire was an accident.

"A prosecution will not be commenced against those persons ... they are afforded privacy just like anyone else in their position," a QPS spokesperson said.

The Binna Burra lodge, before and after being destroyed by fire. ( Supplied: Binna Burra Lodge )

Last week, police stated they would not reveal what sparked the blaze as they feared those responsible could be vilified in the small, tight-knit community.

But after a backlash from locals, authorities have now released more details.

Do not be an accidental arsonist

Binna Burra Lodge chairman Steve Noakes welcomed the police decision to be more transparent with the community.

"It's nice to know the actual cause of it," he said.

The ruins of one of the heritage-listed cabins. ( ABC News: Jennifer Huxley )

"Maybe it helps to get the message out about how super careful we all have to be at this time, right across Australia with this terrible bush fire season we're having."

Mr Noakes said it was a particular reminder to smokers to be vigilant with cigarette butts.

Binna Burra lodge chairman Steve Noakes said the site would be rebuilt to its former glory. ( ABC News: Leonie Mellor )

"Such a small simple mistake can have such severe impacts on people and their lives," he said.

"People really have to take so much care not to act recklessly with anything that can cause a little tiny fire that can grow into a large devastating bushfire."

Mr Noakes believed most of the community will accept the decision not to reveal the identities of the teenagers involved.

"We respect the decision of police, we know they're acting in the best interest of the community."

Queensland introduced laws for dangerous littering in 2011, for litter that is likely to cause harm to a person, property or the environment.

It includes throwing a lit cigarette butt onto dry grass in high fire danger conditions, and individuals can be fined $533.