
With many people likely going camping this Easter long weekend and school holidays, they are being urged to familiarise themselves with restrictions on campfires, and also consider the "trace" they leave behind.
The Country Fire Service says, despite the recent cool weather, rules of the fire danger season still apply for much of the state until April 30, while permits are required in many National Parks and Forestry reserves.
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CFS State Duty Commander Brett Loughlin said campfires could often cause damaging fires.
"It might be cooler in the evenings so it's tempting to want to light a fire but it's important people check the fire danger rating and campfire regulations before they start a fire"," Assistant Chief Officer Loughlin 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 no Total Fire Bans are in place, a campfire may be permitted if it's in a properly constructed fireplace; is a portable cooking appliance; is in a 30 centimetre deep trench, within a 1 metre square area; has a fourm cleared space; is monitored and has an adequate extinguisher handy.
"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," Asst Chief Officer Loughlin said.
"Remember that generators can emit sparks, which could go unnoticed and start a fire so make sure you have a four-metre space around them and extinguishing 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 that people camping have alternative exit routes from their campsite and access to a portable radio so they can check the latest information in the event of a fire nearby."
National Parks and Wildlife Services executive director Mike Williams is also urging people to be considerate when visiting reserves.
"Nature is at the heart of what we do at the National Parks and Wildlife Service and we are fortunate in South Australia to have many beautiful national parks to visit," he said.
"It's great to see so many people out enjoying them. We want you to enjoy yourself, but to also make sure you help to preserve our parks, so that generations well into the future can enjoy all the natural wonders our state has to offer.
"We need to continue to take good care of these reserves, and to leave no trace of our visits, which means taking your rubbish with you when leaving and disposing of it appropriately.
"We're asking people to be responsible, to respect other campers, our wildlife and our environment."
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Littering in parks can incur penalties of $165, including a victims of crime levy, while littering on crown land can incur penalties of $405, including a victims of crime levy.
If people are caught leaving or dumping rubbish they can be expiated under the National Parks and Wildlife Act.
Mr Williams said campsites were booking fast, with people encouraged to head to .parks.sa.gov.au for further information and to book a site.
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