With the onset of milder weather conditions along the Murray, Edward and Murrumbidgee River systems, Forests NSW has announced that its Solid Fuel Fire Ban will end at midnight on Thursday 20 March.

Forests NSW Western Region fire manager, Larry Carey, said the removal of the ban would allow campers staying in the forests along the Murray and Murrumbidgee River systems to enjoy the benefit of a traditional campfire during the Easter period.

The Solid Fuel Fire Ban had been operating since 14 October last year.

"Despite continuing dry conditions, lower maximum temperatures have reduced the risk of campfire escapes and the intensity with which fires will burn in the red gum forests along the Murray and Murrumbidgee River systems," Mr Carey said.

During the Solid Fuel Fire Ban period all fires using solid fuel such as wood or charcoal were prohibited to minimise the risk of campfires escaping into forest.

Mr Carey said that implementation of the Solid Fuel Fire Ban during the past five months had again potentially saved thousands of hectares of valuable forest and property from the damaging effects of wildfire.

While the lighting of campfires will be permitted in properly constructed fireplaces (clear of all flammable matter for three metres), it is still important that people take care with their campfires to ensure they are properly extinguished.

In particular, Mr Carey stated that campers must completely extinguish campfires with water rather than covering a smouldering fire with sand or soil before leaving the forest.

For further information on the Solid Fuel Fire Ban contact Larry Carey at Forests NSW Western Region Office at Deniliquin on (03) 5881 9999.

Media contact: Sarah Chester (02) 6036 2110 or 0417 207 669