With temperatures really starting to sizzle in many parts of the country, grey nomads and other travellers are being urged to be remain vigilant as the bushfire risk increases … and to follow all regulations about the use of campfires.
With a warmer and drier January forecast in Tasmania, the state’s Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS) will implement a seasonal campfire ban from 2am tomorrow, December 20.
Campfires, pot fires, and other solid-fuel stoves will be banned at higher-risk PWS campgrounds, as sparks, embers and disposal of ash from pot fires can provide an ignition source.
Seasonal campfire bans will apply to all national parks and reserves in:
Campfire restrictions are coming into force in Tasmanian national parks. PIC: Tasmania PWS
The organisation says that, last year, there were 310 reports of unattended or illegal campfires on PWS managed land. This included 45 that were unattended and still alight when found by PWS staff. It says these pose a serious risk of escape and causing a bushfire.
PWS State Fire Manager Katy Edwards said the seasonal campfire bans are put in place to help protect visitors and communities, and to help protect important cultural and natural values of our parks and reserves.
“When conditions begin to dry, introducing a temporary campfire ban in higher risk parks helps us reduce the likelihood of accidental ignitions before it can escalate, she said. “Even a small, unattended campfire can trigger a major bushfire when conditions are right … prevention is our strongest tool.”
Ms Edwards urged campground visitors to check the PWS website to see whether a campfire ban is in place for their area.
“Rangers will be patrolling these spots across the summer months, and we ask for everyone’s cooperation to keep Tassie’s parks, people and communities safe,” she said.
Gas stoves and gas barbecues remain permitted.
For more information on Tassie’s seasonal campfire bans, click here.
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We only have an occasional campfire in the colder months.
Who needs to light a campfire in Summer?