I though it would be useful to explore relevant
legislation concerning campfires; if and when they may be lit and if/when they may not. I'm not intending to start a debate here on when/if it is actually SAFE to light a fire, only whether it is legal. Fire safety is another topic.
According to the NSW Rural Fires Regulation 2008, a statutory bushfire danger period applies from Oct 1st to Mar 31st.
http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/dsp_content.cfm?cat_id=1114During this time a fire permit may be required depending on the type of fire, however reading further down the page a fire for cooking, boiling water, etc (i.e. a campfire), is exempt. It does also say that it must be in a
permanently constructed fireplace but this is a poorly worded version of repealed legislation. (there should be an "or" between 1. and 2.) The current legislation has all reference to
permanent constructed fireplace removed and simply says..
A person must not light a fire in the open to cook, heat or prepare meals
or to boil water or for any similar purpose unless the fire is lit at a site
surrounded by ground that is clear of all combustible matter for a
distance of at least 2 metres.So as far as I am able to tell, it is lawful under NSW state legislation to light a cooking/campfire at any time of the year, provided the required safety conditions are met and of course assuming a total fire ban is not in force.
That's NSW. How about other states?
