Campfire safety urged over Melbourne Cup weekend

AS VICTORIANS venture into the state’s forests and parks this Melbourne Cup weekend, the Conservation Regulator Victoria, CFA, Parks Victoria, and Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) are urging campers to learn about campfire safety before they go.

Even though the nights remain cool at this time of the year, days can be warm and often windy.

Just one unattended or poorly managed campfire can cause serious environmental damage and put lives and property at risk.

It is important that Victorians take a moment to check the weather forecast – especially the projected wind speeds – before heading out.

People need to make sure that their campfire is put out correctly by extinguishing it completely with water, not soil.

Fires that have not been properly extinguished can smoulder under soil for days and reignite in the warm and windy conditions.

Before you light a fire, always check fire restrictions, including whether a Total Fire Ban is in place. Download the VicEmergency app or head to emv.vic.gov.au

People who breach campfire regulations on public land face a maximum penalty of $19,759 if the matter is prosecuted in court. The maximum penalty for lighting or maintaining a fire during a day of Total Fire Ban is $47,421.60 and/or two years in jail.

“We want everyone to enjoy their visit to our forests and parks this weekend, but if you have a campfire, it’s crucial that you put it out properly when you leave,” FFMVic Acting Chief Fire Officer Scott Turner said.

“Putting soil on top of a campfire does not extinguish it – you must use water.”

Chief Conservation Regulator Kate Gavens said authorised officers would be out visiting Victoria’s parks and forests this weekend to make sure campers were following the rules and to make sure everyone had a safe and enjoyable long weekend.

Report unattended campfires to the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action at 136 186 or phone 000 to report a bushfire.

For more information on campfire rules, head to vic.gov.au/campfires-stoves-and-bbqs