NSW NPWS fire bans, a strange conversation?

[sailfish]

Hi

My son 22 came back from 3 days camping with friends, 2 in the police and 1 in the fire service. These friends seem to have been discussing a scenario when the RFS has not declared a total fire ban but NPWS have declared one for the park. Apparently they were saying in this scenario they sometimes get reports of people lighting a fire in the park but are unable to take action if the people say it is for cooking or heating. Seems very strange to me, perhaps a case of jurisdiction. I assume the park rangers would not be amused. Obviously the sensible and responsible thing is to comply with the park ban but it raises a serious question about NSW NPWS authority and jurisdiction. Is the compliance with such NPWS bans purely voluntary or does NPWS have authority to lay charges in such a case and if so wouldn’t the police or RFS tip them off and act as witnesses in a NPWS case?


Regards,
Ken

[tasadam]

Fire trucks are red.
Red tape is... red.
Coincidence? Perhaps not...

Sounds strange tho, they need to get that sorted.

[johnw]

Sounds a bit odd, I don't believe park fire ban compliance is voluntary. I do some volunteer work with NPWS and know one ranger quite well as a result. They can and do issue fines (infringement notices) for breaches of park regulations, and law enforcement is part of their role description. Although I know they prefer that police get involved in serious cases. NPWS also do prosecute through the court system.