The letter below was sent to West Pittwater community by the National Parks and Wildlife Service in association with the West Pittwater Community Association. It provides a timely and important warning that fires are not permitted in Ku-ring-gai National Park.
Wildfire Ignition Risk at Ku-ring-gai National Park
Over the last few months, there has been a concerning increase in illegal campfires, party fires, and even instances of arson in Ku-ring-gai National Park.
Specific areas affected include Portuguese Beach, Hungry Beach, and, notably, the environmentally sensitive saltmarsh areas of Morning Bay.
Offshore residents would be aware of the environmental and wildfire dangers posed by these activities.
Statistically, 72% of fires in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park have started from beach and foreshore areas either as a direct result of arson or escaped campfires.
It’s important to note that:
‘Fires (cooking or campfires etc) are prohibited on all beaches and foreshore areas within Ku-ring-gai Chase NP, with the exception of the Basin Campground at West Head which has fire pits and wood BBQ’s.’
There are regulatory signs on the beaches (unless vandalised or removed before National Parks can replace them) to inform the public that fires, dogs and camping is not permitted.
Penalties are severe. On-the-spot penalties for lighting fires within the National Park start at $300 and can go as high as $5,500 and/or 12 Months imprisonment of lighting a fire during a total fire ban.
Occasionally, these events are due to ignorance rather than malice. Unfortunately, the resulting fires are no less dangerous and are potentially catastrophic.
To help prevent these fires, if you see a BBQ or campfire on a beach in West Pittwater or foreshore area of the national park (other than the Basin Campground) the best option is to contact:
Broken Bay Police at:
· Phone: 02 9910 7899
· Mobile: 0412 162 093
Only dial 000 in an emergency – if the fire is in bushland out of control.
Your cooperation in helping to safeguard the unique ‘nature’ of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and preventing the potentially devastating consequences of unauthorized fires is very much valued..
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Sincerely,
Luke McSweeney
Ranger
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