Despite the well-known risks and massive publicity, the problem of campers lighting illegal campfires remains a very serious one.
The Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS), for example, say there have already been more than 100 illegal campfires reported so far this season.
The news comes as the PWS says it is extending the seasonal campfire bans as a result of the ongoing underlying dryness in the landscape. The aim is to reduce the risk of bushfires during peak fire danger periods.
Campfires are now banned in all national parks and reserves in the Tasman municipal area, and the seasonal campfire ban has also been extended to include Lime Bay, Mill Creek and Banksia campgrounds.
Campfires should never be left unattended. PIC: Pexels
Campfire bans also remain in place for all national parks and reserves in Maria Island and Flinders Island, all parks and reserves in the municipalities of Glamorgan-Spring Bay, Dorset and Break O’Day, and Narawntapu National Park, Tooms Lake and Snakey Creek Conservation Area.
PWS State Fire Manager Katy Edwards says that despite the permanent and seasonal fire bans in place across reserves managed by PWS, 110 illegal campfires have already been reported so far this season.
“Our priority is community and visitor safety and preventing bushfires from starting … eliminating abandoned, escaped or poorly constructed campfires is part of our community and visitor safety strategy,” she said. “We want to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable camping experience and we ask visitors to continue to adhere to these bans.”
The seasonal campfire bans will remain in place until further notice. PWS says it will continue to monitor its campgrounds, and additional areas may be added at a later date.
Campfire bans include the use of pot fires, as the sparks, embers and disposal of ash from pot fires can cause bushfires. Gas stoves and gas barbecues are permitted.
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Yep, year long total ban with heavy fines for nongs who ignore the rules.
Less damage to the environment, & clean air to breath are obvious advantages. Those who insist on a campfires can use a propane fuelled campfire
Simple. MAKE IT A $5000 PENALTY. We have far too many self entitled clowns ruining it for everyone.
NO, make it $50.000 as a minimum.
In a rest area in WA, new barbecue pits and plates etc were installled. However, the smart arses got right alongside us, proceeded to light a bushfire (almost). The barbecues weren’t being used. Does that tell you something. I’ve also seen 4wd shows lighting a fire as you always need a campfire. It’s crap like that causing people to think it’s their right to do so.