As Melton and Moorabool campers hop off to enjoy the state’s forests, parks, and reserves this Easter long weekend, authorities are urging them to obey all campfire and littering rules.
Conservation Regulator, Forest Fire Management (FFMVic) and Parks Victoria Authorised Officers will be visiting public campsites across the state to remind people of the rules and hand out fines for unsafe campfires and littering.
“Never leave a campfire unattended, and always make sure you have enough water to fully extinguish a campfire before you leave,” said chief fire officer Chris Hardman.
The bushfire risk remains, as many of the state’s parks and forests are dry and full of bushfire fuel, such as dry leaves, twigs and branches. So even with cooler weather approaching, campers must learn and follow all campfire rules, including checking weather conditions.
Campers can build and maintain safe campfires by considering where and how to build a campfire and never leaving it unattended, even for a short time. Campfires should be completely extinguished with water, not soil, and be cool to the touch before leaving.
Dumping rubbish on public land is illegal and can have significant impacts on the environment and human health. All rubbish and personal items must be taken home, not dumped or burned.
Anyone who witnesses illegal behaviour on public land is encouraged to report it on 136 186. Bushfires should be reported to 000.
For more information about rules in state forests, including campfires, vehicle use and littering, visit www.vic.gov.au/rules-in-state-forests
For more information about safety in parks and reserves go to www.parks.vic.gov.au/get-into-nature/safety-in-nature
The Fire Danger Period remains in place across several parts of Victoria, with restrictions on when campfires are allowed.
Residents and visitors alike can use the joint agency website www.firepermits.vic.gov.au to enter their home or holiday address to see what fire restrictions apply depending on location and activities including campfires and barbecues.
