State Forests lifts Solid Fuel Fire bans on 9 April

With the onset of milder weather conditions along the Murray, Edward and Murrumbidgee River systems, State Forests of NSW has announced that its Solid Fuel Fire Ban, which has operated since 21 November last year, will end at midnight on Friday 9 April.

“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,” State Forests Riverina Region fire manager, Larry 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 he was pleased with the success of the Solid Fuel Fire Ban that had potentially saved thousands of hectares of valuable forest and property from the damaging effects of wildfire over the past five months.

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

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

“The removal of the ban at midnight on 9 April will allow both NSW and Victorian Easter holiday campers staying in the forests along the Murray and Murrumbidgee River systems to enjoy the benefit of a traditional campfire,” he said.

For further information contact State Forests Riverina Regional Office at Deniliquin on (03) 5881 2266.

Media contact: Larry Carey on (03) 5881 2266.