Victorians are being urged to follow campfire rules in parks and forests this Easter long weekend, with authorities handing out fines, not chocolate eggs, to those caught doing the wrong thing.
Visitor numbers to Victoria’s forests and parks are expected to jump as the school holidays and back-to-back Easter and Anzac Day long weekends coincide.
So far in 2022 there have been more than seven campfires left unattended or incorrectly extinguished in the Barwon South West Region, with high visitor numbers expected over the long weekend it is important to ensure the public land space is kept safe for everyone.
“Take care in the Barwon South West these holidays, make sure you extinguish campfires, take your rubbish home with you and leave the area you’re holidaying in how you found it,” Conservation Regulator and Forest Fire Management manager Brian Hamer said.
“We want everyone to remember the importance of properly extinguishing campfires – it takes one ember to spark a bushfire and please remember to report any unattended campfires.
“Our officers will be out and about over the coming days patrolling campgrounds, hiking trails and picnic grounds to be sure everyone’s doing the right thing.”
Campfires must be made in purpose-built fireplaces, trenches at least 30cm deep, or be surrounded by rocks or other non-flammable material to contain the fire. Branches and logs on a campfire must be less than one metre long.
All campers are responsible for keeping their campfires safe, including being watched at all times and are reminded to never leave their campfire unattended. It must be completely extinguished with water, not soil, before leaving, even if only for a short time.
Conservation Regulator and Forest Fire Management authorised officers will be patrolling across the state to ensure everyone knows and follows campfire rules.
Officers can issue on the spot fines of $545 to those who breach campfire rules, and a maximum penalty of up to $18,174 may apply if the matter is prosecuted in court, under the Forest Act 1958.
Unattended campfires should be reported to 136 186 with calls to 000 to report a bushfire.
See vic.gov.au/rules-in-state-forests for more information about rules in state forests, including campfires and vehicle use.
For the latest information about when planned burns are happening near you go to vic.gov.au/plannedburns or call 1800 226 226.
