Solid fuel fire ban introduced earlier this year in State forests in south-western
NSW A Solid Fuel Fire Ban will be introduced in State forests in south-western NSW from midnight on Monday 5 October.
The ban prohibits all fires using solid fuels, such as wood or charcoal.
It has been put in place earlier than usual, due to very dry conditions this year.
It applies to NSW State forests along the Murray River from Howlong to Tooleybuc and along the Edward and Murrumbidgee River systems.
Forests NSW western operations and fire manager based at Deniliquin, Larry Carey, said the ban restricted the use of open fires because forest fuels were extremely dry, increasing the risk of campfires escaping into the forests.
"Under the seasonal ban, all fires using solid fuels such as wood or charcoal are prohibited at all times," he said.
Mr Carey said State forests in the south west of the State were very popular with people from NSW and Victoria during the summer holiday period.
"The implementation of Solid Fuel Fire Bans since 1990 has proved very effective in reducing wildfires.
It has potentially saved many thousands of hectares of river red gum forest from fire and improved safety for forest visitors," he said.
Mr Carey said gas appliances were not affected by the ban, but care should still be taken when using them in the forests.
"We are asking campers who may be coming into the forests during the summer to bring gas appliances," he said.
The Solid Fuel Fire Ban applies every day throughout summer and not just on days of declared Total Fire Ban.
Mr Carey said that signs warning of the Solid Fuel Fire Ban will be in place on all major roads leading into State forests which are affected by the restrictions.
Failure to comply with the Solid Fuel Fire Ban restrictions carries a maximum penalty of $2200.
For further information about the fire ban, contact Forests NSW Western Region on (03) 5881 9999.
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Media contact: Sarah Chester on (02) 6036 2110 or 0417 207 669