Visitors to Victoria’s parks and forests this long weekend are being urged to check conditions and think twice about lighting a campfire.
The Conservation Regulator, Forest Fire Management Victoria, and Parks Victoria are reminding campers to act responsibly and be fire-safe, as the combination of hot, dry and windy weather conditions increases fire risk significantly.
Since 1 January authorities have detected more than 170 unattended campfires in parks and forests across the state.
“While summer has ended, the region remains extremely dry and the risk of fires, as witnessed in the west of the state last week, remains very real,” Forest Fire Management Victoria Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Shannon Devenish, said.
“It’s crucial that visitors understand campfire rules and check fire danger ratings and restrictions before lighting a fire. It’s illegal to light or maintain a fire on a Total Fire Ban.”
“It’s also important that campers build and maintain safe campfires by following the rules. Campfires should never be left unattended, and must be completely extinguished with water, not soil, and be cool to the touch before leaving.”
Program Manager Regulatory Operations, Conservation Regulator Victoria, Andrew Johnstone, said visitors are also reminded that all rubbish and personal items must be taken home; not dumped or burned.
“Our authorised officers will be on patrol over the weekend targeting dangerous and illegal behaviour, such as unattended campfires, illegal off-road vehicle use, and littering,” he said.
“Anyone caught doing the wrong thing faces fines between $192 and $46,154.”
“We want everyone to enjoy their time in our forests, but campfire negligence and illegal behaviour will not be tolerated,” he said.
Official weather forecasts and warnings can be found at bom.gov.au and VicEmergency.
The community can report unattended or unsafe campfires or littering on public land to 136 186. Bushfires should be reported to 000.
For more information about rules in state forests, including campfires and vehicle use, visit vic.gov.au/rules-in-state-forests and to understand the rules in state and national parks, visit: parks.vic.gov.au/where-to-stay/camping-for-beginners
