Campfires and barbecues that use wood, charcoal or other solid fuels will again be permitted in state forests on the South Coast from today.

Forestry Corporation has lifted Solid Fuel Fire Bans in the Batemans Bay and Eden areas effective from Monday, January 15, 2024.

Peter Carstairs, Team Leader Fire and Operations Batemans Bay Management Area said the decision to lift fire bans on the South Coast comes after favourable summer weather conditions.

“We have decided to lift the Solid Fuel Fire bans due to recent large rain events and a decrease in fire risk,” Mr Carstairs said

“The recent rain has increased the soil moisture and fuel moisture content, which decreases the flammability of available fuels in the forests under normal conditions.  

“The Solid Fuel Fire Ban has been in place since September 19, 2023, due to the drier than normal winter we experienced and the outbreak of wildfires in spring,” he said.

Brendan Grimson, Visitor Experience Manager, said the lifting of fire bans in state forests across the region will come as welcomed news to campers with the summer school holiday period and the Australia Day long-weekend always proving popular with visitors to the forests.

“We do ask that people visiting state forests keep their fires in existing small fireplaces and refrain from lighting fires outside of those designated fireplaces, as we are still very much in the fire season,” Mr Grimson said.

Campers planning trips to state forests should check the Forestry Corporation website for the latest updated information prior to arrival.

Forestry Corporation manages 2-million hectares of state forests across NSW, maintaining campgrounds allowing for free, dog-friendly camping.

Find out more about Forestry Corporation at www.forestrycorporation.com.au