CFS urges campfire caution over Easter
29/03/2018
SA Country Fire Service (CFS) is urging Easter holiday makers to be cautious with campfires.
Rules of the Fire Danger Season still apply, meaning campfires are banned in National Parks and Forestry reserves, unless they have a Schedule 9 permit.
CFS State Duty Commander, Nik Stanley said campfires can often cause damaging fires.
"With mild temperatures, and cool nights for the Easter long weekend it's easy to become complacent about lighting a campfire, but we are still within the Fire Danger Season, so precautions need to be taken," Mr Stanley said.
"People should check the Fire Danger Rating for each day and if there is a Total Fire Ban, no campfires can be lit."
If there are no Total Fire Bans in place a campfire may be permitted, provided:
- It is in a properly constructed fireplace; or
- It is in a portable cooking appliance; or
- The fire is in a 30cm deep trench and no more than one metre square in area; and
- You have a four metre cleared space around and above the fire
- A responsible person is in attendance at all times
- An adequate agent to extinguish the fire is at hand.
"Campers should be bushfire smart when spending time outdoors during the fire danger season. Make sure you fully extinguish the fire before you leave the area."
"Remember that generators can emit sparks which could go unnoticed or start a fire so ensure you have a four metre gap around them and tools nearby to put a fire out should it start."
"Campsites are often off the beaten track where there is little shelter from bushfires. It is important for people camping have alternative exit routes from their campsite and access to a transistor radio so they can check the latest information in the event of a fire nearby."
For more information on outdoor recreational fire safety visit the CFS website at www.cfs.sa.gov.au.
