A campfire ban has come into force along the South Coast of NSW. Photo: Daniel Tran, NSW OEH.
Solid fuel fires in NSW National Parks are banned for summer through the Illawarra, Shoalhaven, Eurobodalla, and Bega Valley.
The ban kicks in today – Wednesday, September 11 and runs until the end of February 2020 due to continuing bushfire risk.
The ‘park fire ban’ means that only gas, liquid fuel stoves and electric BBQs can be used.
NPWS South Coast Director Kane Weeks says that camp and cooking fires are too risky under the current conditions.
“Right along the coastal and escarpment reserves, dry conditions combined with hot, dry weather means that campfires are an ever-present risk in bushland areas throughout the region,” Mr Weeks says.
“Under the current conditions, bushfires can start very easily from the sparks of a campfire. All it takes is a gust of wind and we could have a bushfire.
“Historically there are many examples where campfires have been the cause of major bushfires.
“The ban means all wood or solid fuel fires are prohibited in all reserves managed by the NPWS from Wollongong along the NSW south coast to the NSW border.
“Should a total fire ban be called by the Rural Fire Service at some later stage then gas and liquid stoves will also be banned.”
Visitors planning a trip to national parks on the south coast are advised to check for information on park fire bans or any other closures on the NPWS website.
More information on bushfires can be found on the RFS website and the “Fires Near Me” app.
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