Victorians will be able to collect firewood for domestic use as collection areas have reopened this week.
Firewood collection is only allowed from state forests during the firewood season from designated firewood collection areas. There are 19 collection areas in the Greater Melbourne region.
Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) Director Forest and Fire Operations Port Phillip, Tamara Beckett, encouraged people to get their wood now ready for winter 2026.
“Spring is an ideal time to collect your firewood,” she said.
“Depending on the type of vegetation and level of dryness when cut, most wood takes longer than 12 months to dry.
“Ideally people should plan their firewood needs two years in advance.”
Medium volumes of firewood are available from 2024 storm recovery by-product at Pioneer Creek Road Domestic Firewood Collection Site, situated on Pioneer Creek Road, close to the Noojee-Yarra Junction Road intersection.
Medium volumes of firewood by-product from planned burning preparatory works are available at Pauls Range and McMahons collection areas.
Low volumes of firewood by-product from these works are available at MB Fireline, Patrol Rd, Xanthorrea Track and Worlleys Track collection areas.
Ms Beckett urged Victorians reliant on firewood for heating and cooking, to plan their needs early.
“Maps are now online, so it’s a good time to organise your collection,” she said.
“If you are unable to collect firewood for domestic use, you can nominate someone to collect firewood on your behalf.”
Ms Beckett said people could only collect a limit of two cubic metres per person per day and a maximum of 16 cubic metres per household per financial year.
“Most people do the right thing, collect wood that is already on the ground, take only what they need and stick to limits and rules,” she said.
Ms Beckett encouraged collectors to have a safe day out.
“Check the weather and conditions before you go, always be aware of your surroundings and take care when using your chainsaws.”
The spring firewood collection season ends on Sunday, 30 November.
More information on local firewood collection areas: ffm.vic.gov.au/firewood/find-a-firewood-collection-area
Financial assistance is available for people on low incomes who buy firewood: ffm.vic.gov.au/firewood/energy-concession-and-support
