AS the holiday season fast approaches and Aussie’s plan to head bush for a relaxing getaway to their favourite camping spot, campers are being reminded to keep their campfires in check and to follow the Total Fire Ban protocols to help prevent bushfires.
The reminder comes after a total of 726 unattended campfires and BBQs were detected by the Conservation Regulator, Parks Victoria and Forest Fire Operations field staff on public land for the 2023/24 financial year.
“Never leave a campfire unattended and always put a campfire out with water. If the ashes are cool to touch – it’s safe to leave. It only takes one stray ember to cause a destructive fire,” said Chris Hardman, Chief Fire Officer, Forest Fire Management Victoria.
During the Labour Day long weekend earlier this year, authorised officers patrolled campsites statewide and found more than 40 campfires still alight during a Total Fire Ban. Some of this may be negligence, but others may not know the correct way to put out a fire by using soil or not enough water to extinguish them completely. Fires that haven’t been properly extinguished can smoulder under soil for days and reignite in the right conditions.
Before you light a fire check fire restrictions and for any Total Fire Ban restrictions. Download the VicEmergency app to stay informed.
Plan ahead and consider alternatives for cooking such as a portable butane cooktop.
Use a purpose-built fireplace if available, otherwise 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, and three metres above and around your fire must be clear of flammable material.
Branches and logs on your campfire must be no longer than one metre.
Never leave a campfire 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 you leave the site, even for a short while. If the remains of the campfire, including coals, are cool to touch, it is safe to leave.
All rubbish must be taken home with you, not burned.
People who breach campfire regulations on public land face fines of $577 or a maximum penalty of $19,231 if the matter is prosecuted in court. The maximum penalty for lighting or maintaining a fire during a Total Fire Ban is $46,154 and/or two years in jail. Report unattended campfires to 136 186 or call 000 to report a bushfire.
