Come on folks - take some responsibility!

[tastrax]

Concerns about campfires

With 26 fires in the state that are currently going, uncontained and/or uncontrolled, the last thing the Tasmanian community needs is more going bushfires. Although campfire restrictions have been in place at many camping areas for several weeks, Parks staff are continuing to find illegal campfires, particularly south of Hobart.

The Esperance River Conservation Area is one ‘hot spot’, with staff finding attended and unattended campfires on every visit. Infringement notices have been issued at this site.

Another hot spot is the South Coast Track. The volunteer caretakers at Cockle Creek are getting regular reports from walkers concerned about campfires being lit in the park. Reports are that yachts and fishing boats are sending parties ashore who are lighting fires, and some walkers are ignoring signage and also lighting fires. In the ongoing very dry conditions, these fires represent a serious potential risk to the World Heritage Area values, to walkers and track facilities.

Campfire restrictions remain in place at a number of locations around the state, check the list at the PWS Track and Reserve Closures web page http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/index.aspx?base=7785.

[potato]

Thanks for this - people unfortunately do need to be reminded of their responsibilities. It's increasingly the case to find people ignoring the signs and doing what suits them.

[north-north-west]

Yeah. I've found the remains of campfires in some incredibly vulnerable places and it seems to be getting worse.

And people get either all grumpily defensive or downright aggressive when you catch them collecting fuel or lighting fires. Admittedly I'm not particularly tactful when I confront transgressors on this point, but fact is they're in the wrong and they usually know damn well they're in the wrong so tact be buggered.

[Hermione]

I have also come across the remains of quite a few campfires in very sensitive areas ( in Tas. plenty in WA too). None with the people still in "residence", which is probably a good thing as I'm not known for my tact. I could be wrong but I think these people generally know that it's not allowed, but go ahead and do it anyway because they're unlikely to be caught. Instead of thinking of the negative consequences their actions might have on the environment they're only thinking of the potential negative consequences to themselves if caught. Intrinsic vs extrinsic motivation, I think this requires a shift in thinking but how to achieve that I've no idea. I guess an education campaign, which of course costs money, which governments don't have/want to spend. Though now with the current devastating fires in Tasmania and other parts of the country fresh in people's minds, some education might have a bit more impact.