A ban on campfires and barbecues that use solid fuels will remain in place in State forests in the Central West over the Easter school holiday period.

With ongoing dry conditions, maintaining a high fire risk, The Plantation Fire Threat Period for the Bathurst region has been extended to 30 April 2025.

This means that campfires and barbecues that use solid fuels – such as wood and charcoal - are not allowed in State forests during the school holiday period.

The plantation fire threat period each year sees a solid fuel fire ban introduced in the Bathurst Management Area between October and March with extensions made when dry conditions prevail.

Solid fuel fire bans are determined by a range of factors, including soil moisture and fuel moisture content, which increase the flammability of available fuels in the forests under normal conditions.

“While we understand visitors will be disappointed to not have campfires over the holiday period, we appreciate their support as this is an important step to protect the State’s pine plantations,” Forestry Corporation’s Fire and Stewardship Manager Tijmen Klootwijk said.

“It is always great to see visitors making the most of our local state forests, although this must be balanced with the need to protect the state’s timber resources, which the timber industry relies upon to produce building and construction products.

“We appreciate the public’s understanding and consideration, and updates can be found on our website,” he said.

Firewood collection permits are currently available in Bathurst Area state forests.

For more information about firewood collection permits visit www.forestrycorporation.com.au