MySwag.org The Off-road Camper Trailer Forum
General => General Discussion => Topic started by: jeffr on July 24, 2016, 07:35:17 PM
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I did search, but couldn't find anything specific to portable fire pits in National Parks.
We are planning an twelve week trip along the SA Coastline, mainly whale and bird watching, and are planning to camp for week or so at Mount Remarkable, Coffin Bay and like Nat Parks along the SA Coast. Because we usually camp in free camping sites or State Parks etc, we have become accustomed to using our fire pit (we have a Snowpeak) almost every night, because we can...
But I suspect that NP's would prohibit the use of portable fire-pits unless the fire pit was itself set-up within a NP provided fire ring.
Portable fire-pits leave no trace behind, no fire-scars or even sterilised earth, no dislodged stones and the small amount of ash we create we bag and throw into our rubbish to carry out with us. Of course, we wouldn't use it on fire-ban days or do anything patently stupid: Im talking about small, discreet fires or maybe even using heat beads if open flames or using firewood is a problem.
In the Victorian High Country for example, my experience with the Rangers there was that the although legality of portable fire pits was "questionable", if used sensibly they had no problem with them, in fact the Rangers I spoke to were quite supportive of there use because they left no scars, used much less wood etc.
Anybody with experience with other NP's "attitude" to using portable fire-pits, especially in SA?
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Ive never had a issue as long as its not a total fire ban.
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http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/parks/Visiting/General_information (http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/parks/Visiting/General_information)
Has some good general information.
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by the letter of the law (or bylaw) in NT fires need to be with in the fire place provided. Part of this has to do with the fire risk (overhead trees, leaf litter ect) of where portable fire pits (or any other fire) might be used. If you are using it in a safe manner I think most rangers (here, Central Aus at least) would be happy if you were doing things safely, and understood potential risks. Most rangers would have a chat before dragging out paperwork, unless it was a immediate risk.
However as it has safety implications, some rangers might not have any sense of humour about it, and by allowing one camper to do it, others can copy (perhaps not in the safe way you are doing it) and the problem can escalate. Which is why you are asked to keep fires in the fireplaces provided, they meet a bunch of standards, which would be difficult to enforce with portable pits.
I know I am talking about NT and you were asking about SA, just some food for thought, I've had a bit to do with Parks and Rangers for a while here.
Sounds like a great trip, have fun.
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I have always used this setup and never had a ranger hassle me. I was told it passed NP guidelines?
Used it in all Vic and NSW NP's and the rangers have been more than happy with it.
Folds up a little bigger than a4 size and cost $30 on eBay
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Nice, how long per kilo do you cook the goanna boss?
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I have always used this setup and never had a ranger hassle me. I was told it passed NP guidelines?
Used it in all Vic and NSW NP's and the rangers have been more than happy with it.
Folds up a little bigger than a4 size and cost $30 on eBay
Could you please point me in the right direction to be able to get one of these for $30 on ebay?
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Could you please point me in the right direction to be able to get one of these for $30 on ebay?
I have used my (@New Portable & Foldable Stainless Steel BBQ Stove -B5) 100s of times over 3yrs and it folds up great. Best thing for just a fire as well. Throws out that much heat in the right direction, you will use half the wood!
Mine is the B5
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/New-Portable-Foldable-Stainless-Steel-BBQ-Stove-B5-/302014372996?hash=item4651759c84:g:RdEAAOSwVFlT-Sm~ (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/New-Portable-Foldable-Stainless-Steel-BBQ-Stove-B5-/302014372996?hash=item4651759c84:g:RdEAAOSwVFlT-Sm~)
Or cheaper similiar:-
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/320-BBQ-Grill-Barbeque-Barbecue-Portable-Stainless-Steel-Camping-Picnic-Charcoal-/111671501212?hash=item1a0023e19c:g:9ewAAOSwBLlVVZK~ (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/320-BBQ-Grill-Barbeque-Barbecue-Portable-Stainless-Steel-Camping-Picnic-Charcoal-/111671501212?hash=item1a0023e19c:g:9ewAAOSwBLlVVZK~)
Or a double
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/460-BBQ-Grill-Barbecue-Portable-Stainless-Steel-Camping-Picnic-Charcoal-/111671511085?hash=item1a0024082d:g:ZDYAAOSw3xJVVZjQ (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/460-BBQ-Grill-Barbecue-Portable-Stainless-Steel-Camping-Picnic-Charcoal-/111671511085?hash=item1a0024082d:g:ZDYAAOSw3xJVVZjQ)
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I have used my (@New Portable & Foldable Stainless Steel BBQ Stove -B5) 100s of times over 3yrs and it folds up great. Best thing for just a fire as well. Throws out that much heat in the right direction, you will use half the wood!
Mine is the B5
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/New-Portable-Foldable-Stainless-Steel-BBQ-Stove-B5-/302014372996?hash=item4651759c84:g:RdEAAOSwVFlT-Sm~ (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/New-Portable-Foldable-Stainless-Steel-BBQ-Stove-B5-/302014372996?hash=item4651759c84:g:RdEAAOSwVFlT-Sm~)
Or cheaper similiar:-
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/320-BBQ-Grill-Barbeque-Barbecue-Portable-Stainless-Steel-Camping-Picnic-Charcoal-/111671501212?hash=item1a0023e19c:g:9ewAAOSwBLlVVZK~ (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/320-BBQ-Grill-Barbeque-Barbecue-Portable-Stainless-Steel-Camping-Picnic-Charcoal-/111671501212?hash=item1a0023e19c:g:9ewAAOSwBLlVVZK~)
Or a double
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/460-BBQ-Grill-Barbecue-Portable-Stainless-Steel-Camping-Picnic-Charcoal-/111671511085?hash=item1a0024082d:g:ZDYAAOSw3xJVVZjQ (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/460-BBQ-Grill-Barbecue-Portable-Stainless-Steel-Camping-Picnic-Charcoal-/111671511085?hash=item1a0024082d:g:ZDYAAOSw3xJVVZjQ)
I just brought the last remaining stock of the B5 BBQs :-) Too good to let go again! Since I brought them out got very cheap :-)
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These fire pits are selling like hot cakes in the Showroom of Myswag, are $80 plus p&h and are also helping to save an Australian steel business..... Jump on board.
http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=48965.125 (http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=48965.125)
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I miss not having a fire by the camp at Fraser Island.
(1)
Does anyone know whether something like this would be permitable on Fraser Island, (or other NPs?).... Obviously not during total fire bans...
(2)
This thing is available from the States (Amazon etc) - but I can't find a seller in oz?
> But what's the law on importing gas appliances?
> Do gas reg threads/connections work the same in the USA and Aust?
Thanks in advance
! No longer available (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wo8CHbwx_cE#)
.... and caution - "annoying narration warning" re: this vid... ^^^^^
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I did search, but couldn't find anything specific to portable fire pits in National Parks.
We are planning an twelve week trip along the SA Coastline, mainly whale and bird watching, and are planning to camp for week or so at Mount Remarkable, Coffin Bay and like Nat Parks along the SA Coast. Because we usually camp in free camping sites or State Parks etc, we have become accustomed to using our fire pit (we have a Snowpeak) almost every night, because we can...
But I suspect that NP's would prohibit the use of portable fire-pits unless the fire pit was itself set-up within a NP provided fire ring.
Portable fire-pits leave no trace behind, no fire-scars or even sterilised earth, no dislodged stones and the small amount of ash we create we bag and throw into our rubbish to carry out with us. Of course, we wouldn't use it on fire-ban days or do anything patently stupid: Im talking about small, discreet fires or maybe even using heat beads if open flames or using firewood is a problem.
In the Victorian High Country for example, my experience with the Rangers there was that the although legality of portable fire pits was "questionable", if used sensibly they had no problem with them, in fact the Rangers I spoke to were quite supportive of there use because they left no scars, used much less wood etc.
Anybody with experience with other NP's "attitude" to using portable fire-pits, especially in SA?
Wood or solid fuel fires in SA National Parks can only be used in designated sites..From their website. Quite obviously they have the designated fire site for safety reasons. Even though your apparatus is probably perfectly safe the rules are for everyone, not selected few. Once they let one person do it then they have to let everyone do it. Not everyone who goes into a N.P. is careful or uses common sense. The next thing is...how big a burner can I have? 3 square feet, 10 square feet? Just use the designated fireplace and everyone will be happy.
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It does all usually boil down to how the define the fuel source. If it says "no solid fuel fires" than having a fire pit isn't going to make any difference in the eyes of a ranger.
I'd say read the regulations state-by-state because they vary a lot. What is perfectly fine in one state is most definitely not allowed in another. Also, make sure you're aware of any specific park regulations - what Bigfish said for solid fuel fires is the case for most SA parks I believe, but in the Simpson you are allowed fires. From the page about the Simpson from SA National Parks:
Fire restrictions
Wood fires and solid fuel fires are prohibited between 1 November 2016 to 31 March 2017.
You must bring your own firewood, as the collection of firewood within National Parks is prohibited.
Gas fires are permitted through the year, other than on days of total fire ban.
Ensure you are familiar with the fire restrictions for this park.
Do your homework and you should be safe.
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How ever the legislation is interpreted, at the end of the day if a fire escapes from a camp fire or burn off, regardless of if it was a legally compliant pit or not, the person who lit the fire or allowed it to remain alight is liable for the damages it causes. There are a couple of test cases in Victoria, and a coupe of years ago the property owner forfeited their whole property to pay for the liability costs, this land is now part of state forests. (The liability costs includes the costs of fire agencies to deal with the fire).
In Vic, where the NP rules state to use fires in the pits provided, many of them don't actually comply with the requirements for a fire during the fire danger period. Many of them are not cleared around for 3m.
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Pays to read the fine print in the bans sometimes...when they first banned fires on Fraser about 15 years ago it was followed up with an, As per Act such and such. A friend looked up what the act was, and it banned fires but allowed a prescribed heating device, but it could only run on manufactured fuels, so not timber. We also found out so long as you had the drum 300mm anove the sand and you removed the ash from the island when you left, we could still continue to have fires there, which we did (using heat bears and sawdust logs) for quite a few years after "the ban" was introduced.
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In Vic, where the NP rules state to use fires in the pits provided, many of them don't actually comply with the requirements for a fire during the fire danger period. Many of them are not cleared around for 3m.
In Victoria, the "fire danger period" (actually called the Prohibited Period under the Forests Act) is in place year round in State Forests & National Parks. If the fireplace isn't cleared around, it's up to the user to do so before lighting the campfire.
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Thanks myswaggers for the replies - that info that Rumpig posted specifically for FI gives me reason to hope...
I'LL ask a gas fitter about the legalities / safety of importing an appearance....
Many thanks
BaseCamp
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Maybe before spending the $, talk to NPWS & get an official ruling as to whether or not it's OK ???
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Maybe before spending the $, talk to NPWS & get an official ruling as to whether or not it's OK ???
too logical!
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Thanks myswaggers for the replies - that info that Rumpig posted specifically for FI gives me reason to hope...
I'LL ask a gas fitter about the legalities / safety of importing an appearance....
Many thanks
BaseCamp
Sent from my SM-N910G using Tapatalk
Any type 1 gas appliance intended for use in Australia requires an AGA product approval.
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Maybe before spending the $, talk to NPWS & get an official ruling as to whether or not it's OK ???
Could be a plan - but I personally won't put myself in a situation where I am 'pleading my case' (of having inadvertently done something that turned out was actually illegal) .... saying yeah but, yeah but - some bloke on the end of a NPWS phone told me in 2015 it was legal.... or some ranger I was chatting with on a FI sand dune last April said they were legal to use...
Nah - when it really matters - unless its in writing, it ain't gonna happen .. LOL...
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Could be a plan - but I personally won't put myself in a situation where I am 'pleading my case' (of having inadvertently done something that turned out was actually illegal) .... saying yeah but, yeah but - some bloke on the end of a NPWS phone told me in 2015 it was legal.... or some ranger I was chatting with on a FI sand dune last April said they were legal to use...
Nah - when it really matters - unless its in writing, it ain't gonna happen .. LOL.
I guess the defense of some bloke on a forum told me it was all good works...
Why not email the parks to ask... you may even get an answer in writing. it probably wont be the answer you are hoping for but at least you will 100% know for certain
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Could be a plan - but I personally won't put myself in a situation where I am 'pleading my case' (of having inadvertently done something that turned out was actually illegal) .... saying yeah but, yeah but - some bloke on the end of a NPWS phone told me in 2015 it was legal.... or some ranger I was chatting with on a FI sand dune last April said they were legal to use...
Nah - when it really matters - unless its in writing, it ain't gonna happen .. LOL...
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Like Bird said, get it in writing via email. SA Parks were good at emailing me back about a query (non fire related).
Otherwise, if you would prefer to call someone, ask where you can find their advice in writing. Perhaps they are explaining how to "properly" interpret something that's already on their website. Print it off and scribble their plain English explanation next to it and keep it with your fire pit if that keeps you happy. But keep in mind that these rules may change at any time and a quick re-check of their site before heading off may also be a good idea to make sure you're not working with old information.
Good luck. It'd be interesting to hear what you come up with.
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Cut to the chase... first thing I am going to do is research / look into that bit that rumpig posted up a few posts ago (sorry I'm on tapatalk so cant be more specific atm) - and go from there....
Whilst that was advice on a forum it was specifically referencing something that could be checked / looked up at NPWS...
Whilst the gold plate standard is getting the guy promising wonders and cucumbers / assurances during a phone chat about something - when it comes to getting that person to put that in writing / email ..... its been my experience that it suddenly becomes a different matter... NO
If you were on minimum wage in some NPWS call centre or whatever, is that something you would be happy to do? ...
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parks@sa.gov.au
There's SA NP's email. I emailed them directly about something and they replied in under 2hrs, in writing (obviously) to my request with actionable information.
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This was on the back of a toilet door in a National Park in WA today:
(https://i.imgur.com/ZZw1QaK.jpg)