Go gas to avoid wildfire - solid fuel fire ban

Solid Fuel Fire Bans will be introduced in NSW State forests along the Murray River from Howlong to Tooleybuc and along the Edward and Murrumbidgee River systems from midnight on Sunday 14 October.

Forests NSW Western operations and fire manager based at Deniliquin, Larry Carey, said Forests NSW enforced a Solid Fuel Fire Ban when conditions are such that the lighting of campfires was likely to result in the ignition of a wildfire.

"The ban restricts the use of open fires because forest fuels are extremely dry, increasing the risk of campfires escaping into the forests," he said.

"Under the seasonal solid fuel fire ban, all fires using solid fuels such as wood or charcoal are prohibited at all times.

"These forests are very popular with people from NSW and Victoria during the holiday period and since we introduced the solid fuel fire bans in 1990 they have proved to be very effective in reducing wildfires. 

"The bans have potentially saved many hundreds of hectares of river red gum forest from fire and improved safety for forest visitors.

"Gas appliances are not affected by the bans, 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."

Mr Carey said the Solid Fuel Fire Bans applied every day throughout summer and not just on days of declared Total Fire Ban (TOBAN).

Signs warning of the Solid Fuel Fire Bans will be erected on all major roads leading into State forests 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 bans, contact Forests NSW Western Region on (03) 5881 9999.