SHE'LL BE RIGHT
around open flames that’s so important when
we travel in remote areas.
As for the application of common courtesy
in a suburban setting, I’ve got no intent of
annoying the neighbours with 3am garden
parties around a booming bonfire letting off
plumes of acrid smoke.
I’m just happy that we’re able to recreate
a cosy atmosphere akin to the one we enjoy
on the road whenwe’resettled down by a
campfire under amillionstars in the Land of
the Southern Cross.CTAKath’sbackyardfirepitset-updominating the line-up of hospital admissions
following accident or misadventure.
While I’m receptive to these concerns, it
seems a pity that bureaucracy has to extend its
bony fingers into the fire pit on my own home
patch. As usually happens, the carelessness and
selfishness of the minority risks wrecking things
for the rest of us.
When it comes to fire safety, our daughter
has a high level of respect for fire, having
grown up around bush camps. And in fact, our
fire pit is helping to reinforce the self-disciplineBrother is waiting in the side-lines ready to step
in if I look like I’m enjoying myself too much.
A year or so ago, while we were on the road,
I remember hearing an ABC Radio Adelaide
piece telling me that local city dwellers may
only be permitted to burn timber in their yards
if they’re actually cooking food.
Closer to home, it seems we’re still okay
to enjoy a toasty evening around a fire-pit,
provided that our purposes remain “generally
acceptable to the broad community” –
whatever that means.
Controls like these speak to concerns
around air quality. It’s clearly a vexed issue –
particularly for people living in small suburban
sub-divisions. Fine particles in wood smoke are
known to be irritants, particularly for those with
pre-existing health issues. So smoke stagnating
in valleys in built-up areas is bound to draw
adverse commentary from city residents and
environmental protection agencies alike.
Then there’s the issue of fire safety. While
Australian statistics are hard to come by, the
US National Fire Protection Association tells us
that the number of injuries around American
backyard fire pits and fireplaces tripled in six
years from 2006 to 2012. And kids seem to beWorld Famous
And
We’re back in Australia
Proudly presented by
http://www.echo4x4australia.com.au http://www.panoramacampers.com.au
As seen at these recent shows