Campfire restrictions will be lifted in most Tasmanian national parks and reserves by the end of the month.
Parks and Wildlife (PWS) will drop the ban, which was put in place in October due to dry conditions and high bushfire risk, from 2am on April 30.
Restrictions applied to dozens of public areas across Flinders and Maria Islands, as well as in Dorset, Break O’Day, Sorell, Tasman, Kingborough and Huon municipalities.
PWS said people flouted the rules despite clear signage and other messaging, with 258 illegally lit campfires found during the six-month period, including 40 that were still burning.
Waterhouse Conservation Area in the state’s north-east had the most illegal campfires, with 36 separate blazes found in the reserve.
“We understand the importance of campfires as part of the camping experience and we are pleased to announce their reinstatement,” PWS State Fire Manager Katy Edwards said.
“However, we urge visitors and the community to remain vigilant and adhere to all safety guidelines to prevent accidental fires.”
Campfire restrictions will remain in place for King Island national parks and reserves until further notice.
Other parks and reserves, including the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, Freycinet National Park, Tasman National Park and the Vale of Belvoir Conservation Area, have permanent campfire bans.
