Check for fire bans before you go
During periods of high fire danger, campfires and barbecues using wood, charcoal or other solid fuel are banned in many State forests. Details are available below of any current bans.
During these solid fuel fire bans, only gas appliances are permitted.
On days of Total Fire Bans, please check the Rural Fire Service website for current Total Fire Ban rules.
Always check our forest notices portal for up-to-date advice on forest closures.
Firewood collection permits may also not be available during times of high bushfire risk.
Please refresh this page (control shift R) to ensure you are looking at the most recent update.
Campfire rules
Always check the below table to see if campfires are allowed in the area you are visiting. Bushfire risk is real, and many bushfires have been started accidentally from campfires.
If permitted, campfires must be less than 1m2 and 4.5m from the nearest log, stump or tree. The ground within 2 metres of the fire must be cleared.
Do not make new fire pits or leave your campfire unattended. Be sure your fire is totally extinguished before you leave. A smoking fire is not extinguished.
Remove all rubbish. Do not place rubbish in campfires.
Visitors should also check the Rural Fire Service website for information about total fire bans.
Failure to comply with Solid Fuel Fire Ban restrictions carries a maximum penalty of $2200.
Find out more about firewood collection authorisations.
| Forest area (click on link for list of forests) | Solid Fuel Fire Ban | Firewood collection |
|---|---|---|
| State forests of the Central West around Bathurst, Orange, Oberon, Rylstone, Kandos and Gulgong | No ban | Firewood collection authorisations available within permitted forests |
| Pine forests around Tumut, Batlow and Tumbarumba (note this also includes selected native forests) | No ban | Firewood collection authorisations available |
| Native forest areas in Bago and Bondo State Forests, including Paddy River Dam and Paling Yards camping areas | No ban | Firewood collection authorisations available |
| Southern Highlands around Moss Vale | No ban. No camping or solid fuel fires within pine plantations. | Firewood collection authorisations available |
| Native forests of the Riverina | No ban. | Firewood collection authorisations available |
| Native forests of the Pilliga | No ban | Firewood collection authorisations available |
| Cypress pine forests | No ban. | Firewood collection authorisations available |
| State forests around Bombala | No ban | Firewood collection authorisations available |
| State forests of the South Coast | No ban | Firewood collection authorisations available |
| Pine forests of North Coast | Solid fuel fires banned | Firewood collection authorisations not available |
| Native forests of the North Coast | No ban | Firewood collection authorisations available |
| Pine forests of the Northern Tablelands | No ban | Firewood collection authorisations not available |
| Native forests of the Northern Tablelands | No ban | Firewood collection authorisations available |
Visitors should also check our closures and notices page for any further information. Please note that forest conditions can change rapidly and information cannot always be immediately reflected on our website. Always pay attention to signs in the forest or instructions from staff.