Media release – Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania, 29 April 2024
Campfire restrictions lifted in Tasmanian national parks and reserves
Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS) will lift campfire restrictions in national parks and reserves from 02:00AM Tuesday 30 April 2024.
Campfire restrictions have been in place for a number of national parks and reserves since 20 October 2023. These included those on Flinders and Maria Islands, as well as in Dorset, Break O’Day, Glamorgan/Spring Bay, Sorell, Tasman, Kingborough, and Huon municipalities, Narawntapu National Park, Snaky Creek and Tooms Lake conservation areas.
Campfire restrictions will remain in place for national parks and reserves on King Island until further notice.
During the campfire restriction period, PWS attended 258 illegal campfires, 42 of which were still alight when staff arrived.
Waterhouse Conservation Area, in the state’s north, had the largest number of illegal campfires reported during the restriction period, with 36 separate campfires found in the reserve.
While Tasmania endured a dry summer, PWS State Fire Manager Katy Edwards said the decreased risk of bushfires now permits the resumption of campfires, pot fires, and solid fuel stove use in these previously restricted campgrounds.
“We understand the importance of campfires as part of the camping experience, and we are pleased to announce their reinstatement,” Katy said.
“However, we urge visitors and the community to remain vigilant and adhere to all safety guidelines to prevent accidental fires.”
While campfires are now permitted, PWS reminds visitors to exercise caution and responsible fire management practices.
Visitors should also note that some national parks and reserves maintain fuel stove only areas throughout the year, including the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, Freycinet National Park, Tasman National Park, and the Vale of Belvoir Conservation Area.
More details on these areas can be found on the PWS website: https://parks.tas.gov.au/explore-our-parks/know-before-you-go/campfires-and-fire-restrictions/fuel-stove-only-areas
Media release – Tasmania Fire Service, 2 May 2024
Fire permits to be lifted in all municipalities, except King Island
Tasmania’s fire permit period will come to an end tomorrow, with the exception of the King Island Municipality.
Tasmania Fire Service Acting Chief Officer Jeremy Smith said in consultation with relevant partners and stakeholders and based on physical science, the current fire permit conditions for all municipalities – except King Island – will be lifted from 2am on 30 April.
“While the latest Soil Dryness Index (SDI) and Drought Factor (DF) both remain relatively high in some areas of the state for this time of year, short to medium term forecasts are indicating both these indicators will gradually reduce through April,” he said.
“This, in conjunction with shorter daylight hours, lower daytime and overnight temperatures and increasing overnight dew being experienced across the state, all associated fire risks will significantly lessen with only a moderate risk of localised vegetation fire incidents where the SDI and DF remains high (above 100 SDI and above 9 DF) for short periods, predominantly during daylight hours.”
“Fire Permits remain in place for King Island municipality.”
While permits have been lifted, landowners are reminded to continue monitoring localised conditions to ensure their fires can be controlled.
“Landowners who plan on conducting burns on their property should be mindful of the weather, be well equipped and capable and to make sure it is done in consultation with the owners of neighbouring properties,” A/Chief Officer Smith said.
“Engagement with neighbours in the vicinity of any planned burning is critical to ensure smoke will not adversely affect farming or harvesting operations, with emphasis on the wine industry which is particularly vulnerable to smoke at this time of year.”
During the 2023/24 fire permit period, 1184 permits had been issued– 216 more than the 2022/23 fire permit period – resulting in a significant reduction of bushfire risk.
“Our fire permit system continues to be a vital bushfire management tool, allowing for the coordination of resources and assisting to maximise fire safety for the Tasmanian community,” A/Chief Officer Smith said.
“We continue to encourage anyone lighting fires to register their burn on the free call 1800 000 699 number.”
Resources are available to the community regarding using fire outdoors at www.fire.tas.gov.au
