Campfires and barbecues | Dos and don'ts during this year’s Bush Fire Danger Period

Campfires and barbecues - what to do during Bush Fire Danger Period

While we’re all hoping for a less extreme bushfire season this year, it’s still important to be aware of campfire, fire pit and barbecue rules during the warmer months. NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Rob Rogers and Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Paul Baxter have recently launched a $2m bushfire awareness campaign at the start of the 2020/21 Bush Fire Danger Period (BFDP), officially spanning 1 October to 31 March. The campaign, developed by the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS), features people who lost their homes last season telling their experiences so that others can learn ahead of this season.

“The rain has brought with it fire danger conditions with increased pasture growth. As the grass dries out, there’s a very real potential for fires, particularly across western NSW and later in the season,” Mr Elliott said.

Electric and gas barbecues

Electric barbecues are fine, while gas ones require you follow these rules:

You can use a gas barbecue under the following conditions:

It is under the direct control of a responsible adult, who is present at all times while it is operating;
No combustible material is allowed within two metres at any time it is operating;
You have an immediate and continuous supply of water; and

The barbecue is within 20 metres of a permanent private dwelling such as a home; or
The barbecue is within a designated picnic area and the appliance is approved by Council, National Parks or State Forest.

WOOD, COAL AND HEAT BEAD FIRE PITS AND BBQS

For wood or heat bead fuelled fire pits and barbecues, like the sweet Darche 450 BBQ/fire pit we have in stock now, you’ll need to make sure no fire bans are in place. Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said that while this year will not be as extreme as last year, with plenty of grass around after a wet winter, people still need to be very careful when using fire and observe the rules around total fire ban days.

The decision to issue a total fire ban is usually made in the afternoon for the following day and usually starts at midnight and lasts for 24 hours,” the NSW RFS states. “A total fire ban may be issued on the actual day if weather conditions get worse."

The New South Wales Rural Fire Service already issued its first total fire ban for the season with a very high fire danger forecast for northeastern New South Wales on Friday, September 25.

You can find out where fire bans are using the NSW Rural Fire Service’s handy map.