Home | Camping Safety

Before you leave

• Plan your trip – know where you intend on going and map it out on an itinerary. This enables you to work out driving for each day and what you need to take on your trip.
• Research the area – find out all you need to know regarding access to parks, fees, supplies places to see, and where fuel and water can be obtained.
• Apply for any permits for National Parks etc that need to be obtained prior to arrival.
• If staying at a popular camping grounds or tourist park be sure to book in advance to ensure you have a place to stay.
• Let someone know of your plans prior to leaving, such as departure date, places you plan to go and date due home.
• Check park restrictions/closures, weather and road conditions etc.

Campfire Safety

• Campfires are not permitted in some national parks and camping areas – check first if fires are permitted or not.
• NEVER light a fire during a total fire ban.
• NEVER light a fire in windy weather.
• Use the constructed fireplace if provided. If not try and light your fire in a spot where a previous campfire has been, not on fresh ground.
• Light fire on soil away from all other vegetation.
• Make sure there is no leaf debris, grass and branches etc within a 2-3 metre radius of your campfire site.
• Only have a small fire – suitable for cooking and warming.
• NEVER leave a fire unattended, even for just a short period of time.
• When you are finished with your campfire make sure you extinguish it using WATER or a fire extinguisher. Do not cover with soil in an attempt to smother the fire as this may leave the coals smoldering for a long time retaining heat and posing a threat.
• Ensure the fire will be a safe distance from camping equipment such as tents and that all other equipment, such as gas bottles etc…are stored well away from the campfire area.
• NEVER use flammable liquids on a fire – even if you are trying to get it started.

Most campfire related injuries are due to not taking the necessary precautions or not extinguishing the fire correctly. Please ensure the safety of you and the others around you by being campfire wise.

In case of an emergency – cool burns with cold running water, for about 20 minutes (NEVER use ice), cover burn loosely and seek medical treatment immediately!

Click here for first aid tips.