| Cost | See Camps App |
|---|---|
| Location | NSW State Forests – North Coast, Northern Tablelands, Central West Tablelands, South Coast, Western NSW |
| Pet Friendly | See Camps App |
| Campfires | Banned – solid fuel fires (wood/charcoal) banned from 1 September until further notice. Gas only permitted except on total fire ban days |
| Facilities | See Camps App |
| Vehicle Access | See Camps App |
| In Camps App | Yes – 15,500+ campsites verified |
After we talked about fire bans in QLD National Parks, CAMPS reader, Tony Judd sent this in about NSW state forests:
1) You cannot use wood or charcoal fires at all from 1st Sept until further notice
2) In total fire ban periods gas cooking is banned as well
So. Tony said: pack plenty of sanga making gear ☹
Here’s the update from NSW State Forests:
Campfires and barbecues using wood, charcoal or other solid fuels have been banned in all State forests on the North Coast, Northern Tablelands Central West Tablelands, South Coast and parts of Western NSW from Sunday 1 September until further notice to reduce the risk of bushfires.
Forestry Corporation of NSW’s Senior Manager of Stewardship, Kathy Lyons said the ban applied in all State forests from the Central Coast to the Queensland border, from Nowra to the Victorian border, on the Central West tablelands and north of the Mitchell Highway, and visitors should plan to bring gas stoves for cooking.
“Fire season has commenced early this year due to extremely dry conditions across much of the state. Our firefighters on the north coast are already fully committed fighting many fires which have taken off due to the dry conditions,” Ms Lyons said.
“In the past few weeks our firefighters have been tackling wildfires around Grafton and Wauchope and with the weather forecast predicting hotter and drier weather and little rain on the horizon, we need to take steps now to minimise the risk of further bushfires.
“All fires using solid fuels such as wood or charcoal are now banned in most State forests across the state until further notice.
“Campers and picnickers wishing to light a fire to cook in these forests can only use gas appliances until the ban is lifted, which won’t be until after significant rainfall.
“This ban applies every day, not just on days when total fire bans are declared, so we are asking people who are planning to camp in the forests during spring and summer to plan ahead and bring gas appliances.
“Visitors should also be prepared for days when total fire bans are declared, as all fires including gas fires are prohibited on total fire ban days. Information on total fire bans is available on the Rural Fire Service website.
“State forests are popular with campers and visitors throughout the spring and summer period and while we encourage people to get out into our forests and enjoy them, we do need to act to reduce the bushfire risk during the high fire danger period.
“Solid fuel fire bans improve safety for campers and local communities.”
Failure to comply with the Solid Fuel Fire Ban carries a maximum penalty of $2200.
If in doubt, contact your local forestry office. For more information about Forestry Corporation of NSW, or to find details of your local office, visit www.forestrycorporation.com.au
In the event of a fire or other emergency, contact 000.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are campfires allowed in NSW State forests?
No, solid fuel fires using wood or charcoal have been banned in most NSW State forests from 1 September until further notice due to extremely dry conditions and early fire season. Gas appliances are permitted except on total fire ban days.
Which NSW State forests are affected by the solid fuel fire ban?
The ban applies to State forests on the North Coast, Northern Tablelands, Central West Tablelands, South Coast, and parts of Western NSW – from the Central Coast to Queensland border, Nowra to Victorian border, Central West tablelands and north of the Mitchell Highway.
Can I use a gas stove or BBQ for cooking?
Yes, gas appliances can be used for cooking in State forests during the solid fuel fire ban period. However, all fires including gas are prohibited on days when total fire bans are declared by the Rural Fire Service.
When will the solid fuel fire ban be lifted?
The ban will remain in place until further notice and won’t be lifted until after significant rainfall occurs. Check with Forestry Corporation NSW or your local forestry office for current updates.
What happens if I light a solid fuel fire during the ban?
Failure to comply with the Solid Fuel Fire Ban carries a maximum penalty of $2200. It’s essential to follow these rules for the safety of campers and local communities.
How do I find out if a total fire ban is declared?
Information on total fire bans is available on the Rural Fire Service website. On total fire ban days, all fires including gas appliances are prohibited.
What should I bring for cooking while camping?
Bring a gas stove or gas BBQ for cooking, and as one camper suggested, pack plenty of sandwich making gear as a backup option. Plan ahead as the ban applies every day until lifted.
Where can I get more information about specific State forest camping areas?
Check the Camps App for current details on specific State forest campsites, or contact your local forestry office via www.forestrycorporation.com.au for official information.
