Park fire bans in place in Northern Plains Region

Media release: 21 October 2015

A park fire ban, is in place in all of the national parks and reserves within the National Parks and Wildlife Service Northern Plains Region, as the bushfire danger period begins. 

 Northern Plains Regional Manager Rob Smith said the bans covered all solid fuel fires in all parks, including popular visitor parks such as Warrumbungle and Mount Kaputar national parks, the Pilliga forest reserves and Goonoo and Beni reserves near Dubbo.

 “The main danger with solid fuel fires is, if not properly extinguished, they can continue to burn for days after campers have left and lead to a wildfire.

 “The park fire bans protect the safety of our visitors and are one of the ways we protect our reserves from the threat of fire.

“A park fire ban means that no fires can be lit, including wood and heat bead barbecues and cookers during this time. The use of gas and electric BBQs and cookers are permitted as long as:

• They are under direct control of an adult
• The ground within 2 metres of the barbecue is cleared of all flammable material
• There's an adequate supply of water (minimum of a bucket)

 “People intending to visit Northern Plains Region parks from now and right through summer are advised to bring gas appliances with them if they plan to cook food.”

 “The restriction is planned to remain in place until Sunday 20 March 2016, meaning all solid fuel fires are banned on park until then and not just on days of declared Total Fire Ban,” Mr Smith said.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. Find more information about fire bans in parks and reserves including your responsibilities, visit the NSW National Parks fire safety page.

To see if the reserve you are visiting has a park / solid fuel ban in place please visit www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au or call your local NPWS office for further information.

Contact: Jacki Roberts