As Victorians venture into our forests and parks this Melbourne Cup weekend, authorities including Conservation Regulator Victoria, CFA, Parks Victoria, and Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) are urging campers to learn about campfire safety before they go.
Even though the nights remain cool at this time of the year, days can be warm and often windy and just one unattended or poorly managed campfire can be enough to cause serious damage.
Campers are reminded to extinguish campfires with water, not soil, and to check fire restrictions and the weather forecast – especially the projected wind speeds – before they leave.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said campers should check to make sure there are no Total Fire Bans in place at their camp site.
It’s essential to understand what is permitted at their destination to avoid putting people and the environment at risk,” Chief Officer Heffernan said.
Victoria’s Chief Conservation Regulator, Kate Gavens, said campers breaking the rules would be caught.
“We’ll have authorised officers visiting our parks and forests this weekend to make sure that campers are following the rules and to make sure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable long weekend,” Ms Gavens said.
People who breach campfire regulations on public land face a maximum penalty of $19,759.
The maximum penalty for lighting or maintaining a fire during a day of Total Fire Ban is $47,421.60 and-or 2 years in jail.
Campers should report unattended campfires to DEECA at 136 186 or call 000 to report a bushfire.
To check fire restrictions, download the VicEmergency app or go to www.emv.vic.gov.au.
For more on campfire rules go to: https://www.vic.gov.au/campfires-stoves-and-bbqs
