State to put out fire risks

Following the rules: Campfires must be put out fully with water, not with dirt. Photo: SUPPLIED

FOREST Fire Management Victoria and the State’s Conservation Regulator are taking their fire safety initiatives up for spring.

Officers will patrol camping and recreation locations across the Grampians region for unsafe and illegal campfires, to limit bushfire risk, fine those disobeying public guidelines, and educate.

Purpose-built fireplaces or a 30-centimetre-deep hole can be used in State Forests. Purpose-built fireplaces are the only areas fires can be lit in National and State Parks.

Wood on fires needs to be less than a metre in length, and someone should always be supervising a fire. Campfires need not be put out with soil, but fully with water, and they cannot be lit on days of Total Fire Ban.

Manager regulatory operations, Brian Hamer said there’s a consequence to ignoring campfire safety rules.

“Approximately 10 per cent of all bushfires are caused by campfire negligence,” he said.

“It is a serious offence to leave a fire unattended, even for a short while as most campfires escape when left unattended.”

Spring planned burning is underway in the Midlands fire district, coordinated by Forest Fire Management.

On safe days, areas across Ballarat, Smythesdale, Daylesford, Hepburn Springs and beyond will see planned burns to limit fuel and the fire season’s potential impact on communities.

If you see an unattended campfire, anything illegal or suspicious contact 136 186.

Visit vic.gov.au/plannedburns.