NSW Park Fire Ban in place until the end of MarchNPWS has put in place a solid fuel fire ban (including campfires) across some large parks including Blue Mountains, Wollemi, Kanangra-Boyd, Yengo and Dharug and Gardens of Stone National Parks. There are more listed on their alert page and it is expected that there will be more park bans fire bans as summer approaches.
There are some exceptions in formal fireplaces in some established campgrounds. All remote walk-in campsites are affected. These bans are in place until 31 March 2019.
What does this mean?This means no campfires or solid fuel (wood, heat beads, charcoal, briquettes, hexamine) stoves or BBQs in the affected national parks (outside the specifically lists campsites and picnic areas)
What about gas and liquid fuel stoves? They can still be used during a park fire ban if all the following are done:
They're under direct control of an adult,
The ground within two metres of the barbecue is cleared of all flammable materials,
There's an adequate supply of water (minimum of a bucket).
Consider reducing bushfire risk and pack weight by going stoveless this summer. (Check out page 64 for some no cook meal ideas).
Please be aware that:This is called a park fire ban. During the fire season, the RFS will declare days of Total Fire Bans (TOBANS). This means that camping stoves cannot be used in affected national parks.
Smoking is also banned at all times in all NSW national parks.
This is shaping up to be an ugly bushfire season. Let's take extra care and ensure that NPA members are leading by example to ensure safety and care for our amazing bushland.
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