Solid fuel fire ban in State forests from midnight 12 October (south-western NSW)

Solid Fuel Fire Bans will be introduced in State forests in south-western NSW from midnight on Sunday 12 October.

Forests NSW Western Region operations and fire manager based at Deniliquin, Larry Carey, said Forests NSW enforced a Solid Fuel Fire Ban when weather conditions were 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 now, increasing the risk of campfires escaping into the forests.

"The ban applies in NSW State forests along the Murray River from Howlong to Tooleybuc and along the Edward and Murrumbidgee River systems.

"Under the seasonal solid fuel fire ban, all fires using solid fuels such as wood or charcoal are prohibited at all times," he said.
Mr Carey said these State forests were very popular with people from NSW and Victoria during the holiday period.

"Since Forests NSW introduced the solid fuel fire bans in 1990, they have proved very effective in reducing wildfires, potentially saving many hundreds of hectares of river red gum forest.

"The bans have also improved safety for forest visitors," he said.

Mr Cary said gas appliances were 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," he said.

Solid fuel fire bans apply every day throughout summer and not just on days of declared Total Fire Ban (TOBAN).

Mr Carey said that signs warning of the Solid Fuel Fire Ban would 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.

Further reading

Contact Forests NSW

Recreation in State forests (580 kb, PDF)