With residents from Melton and Moorabool taking the opportunity to turn this weekend into a long weekend camping and spending time with friends and family, authorities are urging people to play it safe when it comes to using campfires, barbecues and recreational fires.
Campfires have already caused 270 bushfires on public land this fire season, which is more than half the fires responded to by Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) crews. At least 91 of these unattended campfires sparked bushfires over the Christmas and New Year period.
Conservation Regulator Authorised Officers have also detected more than 180 unattended campfires during patrols at state forest campsites since the start of November, with 29 infringements and 54 warnings issued.
Campers are reminded to be prepared before lighting a campfire, by checking weather conditions and warnings, including Total Fire Bans, on the Vic Emergency website or app. It is also important to bring a bucket and make sure there is enough water to fully extinguish the campfire whenever it can’t be attended.
In state forests, use a purpose-built fireplace or light a campfire in a trench at least 30cm deep. Branches and logs on a campfire must be less than one metre long. Never leave a campfire unattended and use water, not soil, to completely extinguish the campfire before leaving, even for a short while.
Melton and Moorabool are now in Fire Danger Period which means a written permit is required to burn off grass, undergrowth, weeds or other vegetation.
Barbeques and fires for cooking and warmth do not require a permit but must be lit in properly constructed fireplaces.
Unattended campfires should be reported to 136 186 or call 000 to report a bushfire.
Forest Fire Management Victoria Chief Fire Officer Chris Hardman said: “Just one spark from an unattended campfire can have devastating impacts and get out of control.
“Never leave a campfire unattended, never light one on a Total Fire Ban day and always make sure you have enough water to fully extinguish a campfire before you leave.”
