Bushfire-Smart Summer Camping 2025/26

How to stay safe, compliant & comfortable in Australia’s fire season

Australia’s summers are legendary for blue skies, buzzing nights — and bushfire risk. As conditions grow hotter and drier, even seasoned campers are re-evaluating how they travel, cook and set up camp. Whether you’re planning a coast trip, desert adventure, or alpine escape, being fire-smart isn’t optional — it’s essential.

This in-depth guide explains what’s changing in 2025/26, what gear to bring, how to camp responsibly, and how to still enjoy your outdoor adventures while keeping the bush (and yourself) safe.

🔥 1. Understanding Australia’s Fire Danger System

Since 2022, all states use a national Fire Danger Rating System, making it easier to know when and where you can light a fire. The four official levels are:

Moderate → High: You can usually camp and cook outdoors, but stay alert.
Extreme: Avoid open flames. Use enclosed gas or electric options only.
Catastrophic: Do not camp in bushfire-prone areas. Many parks close automatically.

Always check the daily fire danger forecast on your state authority’s website:

🧯 2. Fire-Smart Cooking, Lighting & Power Gear

When Total Fire Bans are declared, the right equipment matters.

Approved for use (check local rules):

Gas camping stoves with a shut-off valve and metal base (not directly on the ground).
Portable induction cookers or 12 V ovens powered by batteries.
Enclosed BBQs in official park facilities when permitted.

Avoid:

Charcoal BBQs or solid-fuel burners (Trangia/Esbit).
Open flame lanterns or candles.

Lighting:

Go LED — lanterns and headlamps offer brightness without heat or risk.
Solar-charged lights reduce need for spare batteries and fuel.

Power:

Choose LiFePO₄ (lithium iron phosphate) batteries — safer chemistry, less fire-risk.
Carry a voltage regulator or fuse-protected cable for solar setups.
Inspect cords for frays; heat + dust can degrade insulation fast.

👉 Check out our LED Camp Lights & Cooking Gear

🏕️ 3. Choosing a Safer Campsite

Smart site selection lowers risk even on mild days.

✅ Look for:

Open clearings with short grass or bare dirt.
A windbreak (rock face, vehicle, or dune) that won’t trap smoke.
Accessible escape routes — never down a single dirt road in dense scrub.
Nearby water (river, lake) if allowed for camping.

❌ Avoid:

Tall eucalypt stands with heavy leaf litter.
Camps directly under trees dropping dry branches.
Valleys or gullies — fire travels uphill faster.

Use Google Maps’ satellite layer before travelling; combine with park maps for clarity.

🧭 4. Packing Your Fire-Safety Essentials

Create a compact kit that lives permanently in your car or storage box:

Category	Essentials
Fire Prevention	5 L water container, sand bucket, foldable shovel
Suppression	Small dry-powder extinguisher, fire blanket
First Aid	Burns dressings, bandages, antiseptic spray
Comms & Alerts	AM/FM radio, fully-charged power bank
Docs & Info	Printed park map, local emergency numbers

Add laminated copies of the local Total Fire Ban rules for your state.

🌡️ 5. Behave Like a Bushfire Pro

Even perfect gear can’t fix careless behavior. Practice these habits every trip:

Never leave cooking unattended, even “just for a minute”.
Extinguish stoves immediately after use; feel the metal — if it’s hot, it’s not safe to pack.
Keep fuel and batteries at least 3 m from sleeping areas.
Collect and dispose of ash, wipes, and gas bottles responsibly.
Teach kids and new campers how to call 000 and describe location coordinates.
Download the free Emergency Plus app — it shows your exact GPS coordinates to give to emergency services, even in remote or low-signal areas.

📄 Download our Fire Smart Camping Checklist (PDF)

🌿 6. Environmental Stewardship During Fire Season

Protecting nature is more than avoiding ignition — it’s reducing your footprint:

Stick to existing fire pits and tracks; new clearings scar habitats.
Use biodegradable soaps and keep greywater 100 m from waterways.
Avoid cutting live wood for makeshift tables or tent pegs.
Report illegal fires to rangers — they endanger everyone.

Encourage your group to adopt the “Leave No Trace” principles — it keeps campsites open and pristine for others.

🧾 7. Fire-Smart Travel Planning 2025/26

With higher temperatures forecast across southern Australia and the eastern seaboard, expect stricter bans and limited fuel-use days.

Plan your trips accordingly:

Book powered sites or gas-permitted campgrounds where possible.
Travel early in the day to avoid heat stress.
Set an “abort plan” — a backup route or urban stop if fires threaten.
Keep emergency notifications active on your phone (e.g., Fires Near Me Australia app).

💬 Final Thoughts

Fire-smart camping isn’t just about rules — it’s about respect for the land and each other. Every careful camper helps keep national parks open, wildlife safe, and the camping spirit alive.

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