Solid fuel fire bans lifted in time for holiday camping trips

11 Apr 2024 - Matt Deans

Visitors to state forests in Western New South Wales will from this week be able to light campfires and barbecues using wood, charcoal or other solid fuel.

Solid fuel fire bans will be lifted in the native forests of the Pilliga, western NSW cypress pine forests and in the redgum and southern cypress pine forests from midnight on Friday, April 12.

Forestry Corporation's District Manager River Red Gum Andrew McCurdy said the lifting of the solid fuel fire bans coincides with the start of the NSW autumn school holidays.

"We have reached the end of the formal fire season, so the high-risk period has passed and visitors can light wood or charcoal campfires and barbecues in State forests from midnight on Friday," Mr McCurdy said.

Forestry Corporation Production and Fire Manager Conan Rossler said favourable weather conditions and recent rainfall has also seen solid fuel fire bans lifted in the native forests of the Pilliga and cypress pine forests.

"While the high fire danger period has passed, we urge all campers to exercise common sense and remain vigilant when lighting and using fires in the forest," Mr Rossler said.

"Please use designated fireplaces, sweep away leaves, grasses and other flammable material around the fireplace before lighting a campfire and make sure that your campfire is completely extinguished before you leave the forest.

"Remember to put safety first and never leave a campfire unattended," he said.

Solid fuel fire bans were introduced across NSW state forests in spring last year to limit the risk of summer bushfires after a dry autumn and winter in 2023.

The bans on campfires in south coast and north coast state forests were lifted earlier this year after significant rainfall events.

Firewood collection permits are also available in north-west, western and state western state forests.

Find out more about Forestry Corporation solid fuel fire bans, forests closures and firewood collection permits at www.forestrycorporation.com.au