Victoria’s Fire and Land Management Agencies are urging campfire safety
Victoria’s Fire and Land Management Agencies are urging campers and holidaymakers to prioritise campfire safety ahead of Melbourne Cup weekend.
Between June 30, 2023, and July 1, 2024, CFA responded to over 530 incidents involving campfires, many of which could have been avoided with proper precautions.
In the same period, Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) responded to more than 580 unattended or abandoned campfires across the state.
With some parts of the state already entering the Fire Danger Period, it’s crucial for campers to follow safety guidelines to help prevent flare-ups and protect both people and the environment.
Before hitting the road, be sure to familiarise yourself with local campfire regulations and safety measures to help protect the environment and local communities, learn more here.
QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO FOREST FIRE MANAGEMENT VICTORIA CHIEF FIRE OFFICER CHRIS HARDMAN
“People to be careful when it comes to campfires, as gusty winds can easily carry embers from a campfire into the bush posing a serious fire risk.
“Always fully extinguish campfires with water, not soil and make sure it’s cool to touch before leaving.
“We want people to enjoy the bush safely. By knowing and following the rules for building and maintaining campfires, we can help keep the bush is healthy and safe for all.”
QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO CFA CHIEF OFFICER JASON HEFFERNAN
“I want to remind campers it is their responsibility to check if the area they’re visiting is in the Fire Danger Period.
“Fire restrictions are already in force in parts of the west and northwest of the state so it’s important to know what you can and can’t do in those areas.”
QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO PARKS VICTORIA SENIOR MANAGER ENFORCEMENT AND REGULATORY SERVICES MARK BREGUET
“In most parks in Victoria, you are only permitted to light campfires in the fireplaces provided. There are some limited areas where campfires are permitted outside of constructed fireplaces, but you need to check before you go. Fines of up to $3846 or infringements of $988 apply.
“Remember to always have someone in attendance while a campfire is going and properly extinguish the fire with water before you leave. The consequences can be devastating.”
QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO CONSERVATION REGULATOR CHIEF CONSERVATION REGULATOR KATE GAVENS
“Campfires are the biggest cause of avoidable bushfires in Victoria so we want campers to make sure they know the rules about campfires and how to build a safe campfire.
“We want people to enjoy their time in state forests, but to ensure they make campfire safety a priority by knowing what they can and can’t do.
“Our forest and wildlife officers will be out there over the weekend to remind campers about the importance of campfire safety.”