Solid fuel fire bans for State forests in the Riverina

Solid Fuel Fire Bans will be introduced in State forests in the Riverina Region in south western NSW from midnight on Sunday (31 October).

Solid Fuel Fire Bans will be introduced in State forests in the Riverina Region in south western NSW from midnight on Sunday (31 October).

Forestry Corporation Riverina operations and fire manager, Larry Carey, said Forestry Corporation enforced a Solid Fuel Fire Ban when weather conditions meant that lighting a fire could result in a wildfire.

The ban restricts the use of open fires because forest fuels are dry, increasing the risk of campfires escaping into the forests.

The ban applies in NSW State forests along the Murray River from Howlong to Tooleybuc and along the Edward and Murrumbidgee River systems.

“Under the seasonal Solid Fuel Fire Ban, all fires using solid fuels such as wood or charcoal are prohibited at all times,” Mr Carey said.

“These forests are very popular with people from NSW and Victoria during the holiday period and since we introduced the forest fire bans in 1990 they have proved to be very effective in reducing wildfires.

“Many hundreds of hectares of river red gum forest has potentially been spared from fire and the bans have also improved safety for forest visitors.

“Gas appliances are not affected by the bans but care should still be taken when used in the forests. We are asking campers coming to the forests during the summer period to bring gas appliances.”

Mr Carey said the Solid Fuel Fire Bans applied every day throughout summer and not just on days of declared Total Fire Ban (TOBAN).

He said that signs warning of the Solid Fuel Fire Ban would be erected on all major roads leading into State forests affected by the restrictions.

Failure to comply with the Solid Fuel Fire Ban restrictions carries a maximum penalty of $2200.

Media contact: Forestry Corporation Riverina Region on (03) 5881 2266.