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General Climbing Discussion

Topic Date User

total fire ban climbing ban 3-Jan-2006 At 5:52:49 PM robin

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Fire safety is something that should be considered regardless of whether or not it is a total fire ban day. We have just abondoned a trip to a remote Grampians crag last weekend because of fire and access concerns, and this was despite it not being a total fire ban day. On the other hand, as pointed out by Alan, some crags are relatively safe to climb at even on extreme fire risk days ie. areas with good access, more than one exit, short walk, short climbs.

Cathederals is a borderline case IMHO. If you were to apply common sense and climb early and leave before midday the risk would be low. Vision is good from up there and the descent route is relatively quick. Also as pointed out who would want to climb there in 40 degree heat anyway! Definitely a far greater risk at remote crags in the Grampians.

I guess I would prefer park users to make an informed decision when entering parks during the fire season. I can understand why some parks would see the need to restrict a access, particularly ones with a single access route and no fire refuge areas. In these cases I think a ban on access is legitimate.