Almost 200 illegal campfires were lit on Tasmanian parks land during the fire danger season, authorities have revealed, as seasonal bans were lifted across the state on Wednesday.
Parks and Wildlife identified 184 illegal campfires on its land over the fire danger period.
36 were still alight when staff arrived. 24 had been left completely unattended.
Staff issued nine verbal cautions and six infringement notices.
State Fire Manager Katy Edwards said the figures were disappointing.
“The most campfires were found in areas across the north and north-east of the state,” she said.
A further 57 illegal fires were found at Mount Field, Lake St Clair and Cradle Mountain, where open campfires are banned year-round.
Edwards said vegetation in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area was “highly vulnerable” to fire.
“We ask campers to never light fires in these areas,” she said.
The seasonal bans were lifted from 2am on Wednesday, in time for the school holidays and Easter long weekend.
Some areas remain fuel stove only. Campers are urged to check the Parks and Wildlife website before heading out.
Edwards said conditions had eased through March but parts of the state remained dry.
“This means campers should remain vigilant and follow the rules on managing a campfire safely,” she said.
She urged campers to extinguish fires with water rather than dirt.
“Soak it, stir it and soak it again. If your campfire is cool to touch, it is safe to leave,” she said.
