Leave campfires smoldering and cop a fine, jail

FIRE authorities and public land managers are reminding campers to make sure they check the conditions and brush up on campfire safety when visiting public forests. The Conservation Regulator, Parks Victoria, and Forest Fire Management Victoria will be conducting patrols in Victoria’s parks and forests throughout the weekend to make sure campers are doing the right thing. A total of 257 unattended campfires and BBQs have been detected statewide since 1 July 2024 and also on recent total fire ban days. A statement from fire authorities and public land managers said many people were extinguishing campfires incorrectly with soil or not enough water, causing fires to smolder underground for days, allowing them to reignite in the right conditions. Penalties for prosecuted campfire breaches on public land have a maximum of $19,759. The maximum penalty for lighting on total fire ban days is $47,421 and/or two years jail. Fire Forest Management Victoria chief fire officer Chris Hardman said campers needed to know how to build a safe campfire. “Even if a total fire ban has not been declared, we encourage campers to consider the need for a campfire on hot or windy days,” Mr Hardman said. “If you are building a campfire, make sure you know how to build a safe one, don’t leave it unattended while it is alight, and that you put it out with water. “It only takes one stray ember to cause a destructive fire. “If the ashes are cool to touch – it's safe to leave." Parks Victoria enforcement manager Chris Mercier said it only took one camper ignoring the rules to endanger the community and environment. “We want people to get out and enjoy Victoria’s great outdoors,” Mr Mercier said. “But unsafe campfires can have devastating consequences. "It only takes one camper ignoring the rules to endanger the community and our environment." Unattended campfires should be reported to DEECA on 136 186. Bushfires need to be reported immediately by phoning 000. More information on campfire rules can be found at https://www.vic.gov.au/campfires-stoves-and-bbqs To ensure campfires are safe: * Always check fire restrictions before lighting up, check especially for total fire bans. * Plan for cooking alternatives such as a portable butane cooktop. * Use a purpose-built fireplace if available, or else dig a trench at least 30cm deep. * Always follow the designated rules of your campsite; in national parks, fires can only be lit in purpose-built fireplaces unless marked otherwise. * The campfire must not exceed one square metre nor reach three metres aboveground with the surrounding 3m radius clear of flammable material. * Branches and logs must be shorter than one metre. * Campfire must NEVER be left unattended – an adult must always stay within a 50-metre line of sight. * Campfires must be extinguished with at least 10 litres of water every time a site is left, even if for a short period. * All rubbish must be taken home and not burned. * Download the VicEmergency app or go to https://www.emv.vic.gov.au/

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