Forests NSW asks public to take great care in the forests

Forests NSW is asking the public to take great care in the region’s pine plantations and native forests due to extreme weather conditions, which could lead to wildfire.

Forests NSW regional manager Dean Anderson said high temperatures and low humidity have already made conditions very dangerous and have fuelled numerous wildfires in the region.

He said a number of these fires have threatened the State’s valuable pine resource, nearby property and local communities.

“The pine plantations support an industry worth around $525 million to the regional and State economies. They also directly employing some 2000 people and are the lifeblood of numerous rural communities in the region,” Mr Anderson said.

“We are asking day trippers and campers who may be coming into the forests during the summer to help protect the forests from fire.

“The forests not only provide jobs and economic prosperity, they are used for a great number of recreational pursuits including bushwalking, bike and horse riding, fossicking and mushrooming - all of which could be lost to wildfire.”

During the hotter summer months, Forests NSW introduces forest fire bans known as ‘Solid Fuel Fire Bans’ to protect the forests for wildfire.

Mr Anderson said this ban restricted the use of open fires because forest fuels were dry, increasing the risk of campfires escaping into the forests.

Under the Solid Fuel Fire Ban, all fires using solid fuels such as wood or charcoal are prohibited at all times.

Gas and liquid fuel appliances are not affected by the bans, but care should still be taken when using them in the forests.

Solid Fuel Fire Bans that apply every day throughout the hotter summer months should not be confused with a declared Total Fire Ban (TOBAN). On a TOBAN no fires at all are to be lit in a forest.

Mr Anderson said Forests NSW highly skilled firefighting force was on high alert with staff rostered on at strategic locations across the region in preparation for fire.

“We have a network of fire spotting towers, heavy and light tankers, dozers and a helicopter ready for action,” he said.

If you see a fire please report it to 000 and to Macquarie Region fire hotline on 6332 8412.