Campfires and barbecues using wood, charcoal or other solid fuels will be banned in Riverina, Pilliga and Southern Cypress State forests due to the increased risk of bushfire.

Solid fuel fire bans will come into force in these forests with the start of the NSW Bushfire Fire Danger Period on Wednesday, October 1 with campers urged to switch to gas appliances.

The fire bans apply to Pilliga native forests, Koondrook, Perricoota and Campbells Island State forests along the Murray, as well as Gillenbah, Buckingbong, Matong and Binya State forests in the Murrumbidgee catchment, and smaller cypress forests throughout the region.

Firewood collection finishes in Pilliga native State forests and Cypress pine forests on Tuesday, September 30 while firewood authorisations will still be available in Riverina native forests.

With warmer weather approaching across the state, solid fuel fire bans will remain in place until the threat of bushfire eases.

“All fires using solid fuels, such as wood or charcoal, are banned from today until further notice,” Forestry Corporation of NSW’s Acting Senior Manager Western, Andrew McCurdy said. 

“We have already seen bushfire activity in the region before fire season has even commenced so it is imperative that everyone abides by the rules to mitigate the risk of more fires,” he said.

Fire bans apply every day, not just on days when total fire bans are declared.

Campers planning trips to State forests over spring and summer are urged to bring gas appliances.   
On total fire ban days, gas barbecues may be permitted under very strict conditions (such as direct adult supervision, cleared surroundings, continuous water on hand and location limits), as detailed on the NSW Rural Fire Service website.

Solid fuel fire bans have been applied to the Riverina region since 1990 to reduce the risk of bushfire.

“State forests in the Riverina are popular with campers throughout the summer holiday period and solid fuel fire bans are an important way to reduce the bushfire risk during the hot summer months,” Mr McCurdy said. 

“These bans improve safety for visitors, campers and communities in the region, and they have also potentially helped save many thousands of hectares of river red gum forest and cypress forests from destructive fires over the past 35 years,” he said.

Failure to comply with a solid fuel fire ban carries a maximum penalty of $2,200.

For more information contact Forestry Corporation of NSW’s Western Region on (02) 6841 4288 or visit www.forestrycorporation.com.au/visit/solid-fuel-fire-bans/