Media Release – Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania, 1 April 2026

Seasonal Campfire Bans Lifted in National Parks and Reserves

Seasonal campfire bans have been lifted across many Tasmanian national parks and reserves from 2:00am today (Wednesday, 1 April 2026).

Some areas remain fuel stove only. Check the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS) website for details.

The seasonal campfire bans were put in place to help protect visitors, communities and the important cultural and natural values of our parks and reserves during the fire season, where we often experience warmer and drier conditions.

PWS State Fire Manager Katy Edwards said the bans had been lifted in time to enjoy the school holidays and Easter period.

“Although the weather conditions have eased in March, it is important to remember that conditions remain dry in parts of the state,” she said.

“This means campers should remain vigilant and follow the rules on managing a campfire safely.

“Remember to fully extinguish your campfire with water not dirt. Soak it, stir it, and soak it again. If your campfire is cool to touch, it is safe to leave.

“There are designated campfire sites at many of our campgrounds and we encourage you to use those to minimise the chance of a fire escaping.”

Ms Edwards said it was disappointing to note that 184 illegal campfires were identified on PWS land over the fire danger period.

Thirty-six campfires were still going when PWS staff attended, and 24 of these were left unattended, which poses significant risk.

PWS staff issued nine verbal cautions and six infringement notices while the seasonal bans were in place.

“The most campfires were found in areas across the north and north-east of the state. In addition, 57 illegal campfires were identified at Mount Field, Lake St Clair and Cradle Mountain, where open campfires are always prohibited,” Ms Edwards said.

“It is important to remember that our Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area is a fuel stove only area all year round. The vegetation found in this area is highly vulnerable to fire and we ask campers to never light fires in these areas.”

For more information on using campfires safely, click here.