Forestry Corporation of NSW is warning the community that many State forests are currently dangerous firegrounds – with either the current threat of fire or recent fire activity - and there are widespread forest closures across the South East NSW and wider NSW.

The warning comes after a number of people have been ejected from Tallaganda State Forest and reported to the police.

It is paramount people avoid these areas for their safety and to support the firefighting efforts, said Forestry Corporation Harvest Supervisor, Peter Lezaich.

“When forests are affected or could soon be affected by fires, it is unsafe for the public to be in the forests,” Mr Lezaich said.

“Recently burnt forests are also dangerous places and until we can check them for safety, taking the time to deal with visitors hampers our firefighting efforts.

“We ask all our regular visitors to please stay out of the closed forests until the fire risk has lessened."

With the severe conditions facing NSW over the coming weeks, Forestry Corporation strongly encourages people to keep informed of the current fire conditions and postpone any trips planned into State forests.

People looking to travel through forests should take alternate routes and consult www.livetraffic.com for road closures.

Visitors should remain vigilant to bushfire risk and consult the Rural Fire Service website for current advice on the fire danger rating, as well as downloading the free Rural Fire Service Fires Near Me app.

A full list of the statewide forest closures is available at www.forestrycorporation.com.au/visit.

Regular updates will also be posted on Facebook (@visitNSWForests) over the holiday period.

Media contact: Rod Campbell 0428058549