1.45pm Thursday
Police have taken action against a male for breaching the state-wide Total Fire Ban on Wednesday.
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Police said a 20-year-old male with an address from Downer in the ACT allegedly lit a small campfire at the Kevin Wheatley VC Rest Area on the Federal Highway near Collector.
He was issued a $2200 fine for failing to comply with a Total Fire Ban order.
Chief Inspector John Sheehan said this serves as a timely reminder.
"The conditions during a Total Fire Ban are such that if a fire is lit and escapes, it is highly likely it will not be able to be stopped due to high winds, low humidity and/or hot weather," Inspector Sheehan said.
"This substantial fine serves as a reminder that there are consequences to lighting a fire in a Total Fire Ban, and its not just the monetary fine. Peoples lives and properties are put at risk."
11am Thursday
A campfire put out by brigades during a Total Fire Ban last night has spurred the Rural Fire Service to urge people to remain vigilant.
About 7pm, the RFS was alerted to a lit campfire at a rest area near the crossroads of The Vineyards Road at Collector.
Collector and Wamboin RFS brigades were immediately dispatched, arriving a short time later to extinguish the fire.
The fire had been lit by people unfamiliar with the Total Fire Ban, said Southern Tablelands RFS operational officer, Lachlan Gilchrist.
Mr Gilchrist urged people to be alert and report fires straight away.
"In a Total Fire Ban, a small campfire under these conditions can become a very large fire, very quickly," Mr Gilchrist said.
"Be alert and report fires straight away. The conditions are such that we can't take any risks with people not following Total Fire Ban notices. It puts themselves and the broader community at risk."
Fire conditions have eased; however, the RFS is anticipating unfavourable weather towards the beginning of next week.
Police also attended the scene.
For information on Total Fire Ban rules visit the Rural Fire Services website: rfs.nsw.gov.au.
People are reminded to stay up to date on the Fires Near Me app for smart devices or at the Rural Fire Service website. Major fire updates are available here.
For more information contact the Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737
