Numerous small fires have occurred of late in the Murray/Murrumbidgee region, and Forests NSW is concerned that some campers may not be paying attention to the Solid Fuel Fire Ban, that is now in place.
Forests NSW senior forester based at Deniliquin, Andrew McCurdy, said State forests in these areas were very popular with people from NSW and Victoria during the holiday periods.
“With the recent cooler weather some campers may have let their guard down in relation to fire in the forests. Although it might be cooler and we have had a little rain, the forest floor is still very dry and will easily burn.
“We want people visiting the forests to make sure they take gas appliances, which are not affected by the Solid Fuel Fire Ban. Obviously, on days of Total Fire Ban, no fires are to be lit, even gas ones,” he said.
Under the seasonal Solid Fuel Fire Ban, which came into effect on 12 October this year, all fires using solid fuels such as wood or charcoal are prohibited at all times.
Mr McCurdy said Forests NSW regularly patrols the forests and people who light solid fuel fires will be fined or prosecuted, with a maximum fine of $2200 per offence.
“Since Forests NSW introduced the Solid Fuel Fire Ban in 1990, it has proved very effective in reducing wildfires, potentially saving many hundreds of hectares of river red gum forest.
“The ban has also improved safety for forest visitors,” he said.
“If you spot someone in the forests using solid fuels when the Solid Fuel Fire Ban is in place, please report them to your nearest Forests NSW office.
“We want to make the forests a safe place to visit and if everyone acts responsively they will remains that way.”
