Switch to gas to avoid wildfires
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A solid fuel ban will be in force in State forests around Tumut, Tumbarumba, Batlow and Blowering Dam areas from Wednesday (1 December) and will carry through until March next year.
Forestry Corporation resources and protection manager Charlie Taylor said the forest fire ban restricted the use of open fires because forest fuels had dried out, increasing the risk of campfires escaping into the forests.
The ban applies to all NSW State forests in the south west slopes region, including plantations and native forests.
“Under the forest fire ban, all fires using solid fuels such as wood or barbecue briquettes are prohibited at all times until further notice from Forestry Corporation,” Mr Taylor said.
“These forest are very popular during the summer period and since Forestry Corporation introduced the forest fire bans they have proved to be very effective in reducing wildfires.
“The pine plantations and native forests are a highly valuable resource and are particularly important to the regional economy.
“It is essential that every effort is made to reduce the chance of damage to the forests by wildfire.
“Banning campfires in the forest areas helps prevent the chance of an escaped fire destroying these valuable forests and also improves safety for forest visitors.”
Forest visitors may use gas appliances for cooking except on total fire ban (TOBAN) days, but great care should still be taken with gas appliances.
“During days of total fire ban no fires are to be lit and campers should plan their meals accordingly,” Mr Taylor said.
He said the forest fire bans applied every day throughout summer and not just on days of total fire ban.
Signs warning of the forest fire ban have been erected on all major roads leading into popular recreational sites.
Forestry Corporation will be utilising manned fire towers, field patrols and aircraft to assist in surveillance during the hot summer months.
For further information about the fire bans, contact Forestry Corporation Hume Region on (02) 6947 3911.
Media contact: Charlie Taylor on (02) 6947 3911.