Total Fire Bans and park fire bans

What is a Total Fire Ban

A TOBAN is declared for days when fires are likely to escape and be difficult to contain.

A decision to declare a TOBAN is generally made at around 5pm each afternoon during the bushfire danger period (October to March) and applies for the following day, starting from midnight and lasting 24 hours.

During a TOBAN no fire may be lit in the open. This means:

• All campfire and solid fuel (wood, heat beads, charcoal, briquettes, hexamine) and liquid fuel (petroleum, oil, methylated spirits, kerosene) barbecues and stoves are prohibited.
• Gas barbecues installed by NPWS may be used for cooking, as long as it is under the direct control of a responsible adult, is clear of combustible material within two metres at any time it is operating, and there is an immediate and continuous supply of water available.
• Visitor-owned gas and electric barbecues and cookers are generally prohibited. There may be exceptions if you contact the local park office in advance for permission. Gas and electric cookers are permitted within a caravan or 3-sided enclosed annexe of a caravan.
• Landholders who have received a hazard reduction permit from the NSW Rural Fire Service to undertake prescribed burning are not allowed to light fires during total fire bans.

To find out where and when a total fire ban has been declared, please visit the NSW Rural Fire Service website.

What is a park fire ban

NPWS may declare a park fire ban or even close parks and reserves where the potential risk to visitors from fire is high.

During park fire ban periods, all campfire and solid fuel (wood, heat beads, charcoal, briquettes, hexamine) barbecues and stoves are prohibited. 

Visitor-owned gas and electric barbecues and cookers are generally prohibited. There may be exceptions if you contact the local park office in advance for permission. 

Parks and reserves that have a park fire ban or that have been closed due to fire are listed on the alerts for NSW National Parks page.