Bushfire warning: Brush up on campfire safety

AS the weather continues to heat up and holidaymakers flock to Victoria’s parks, community members are being urged to brush up on campfire safety guidelines.

More than 10 per cent of bushfires are caused by campfire negligence each year and despite recent wet weather across the state, unattended campfires or those that have not been put out properly, can easily become bushfires.

Parks Victoria’s enforcement operations manager, Chris Mercier, said it was crucial visitors understood campfire safety was their responsibility.

“We want people to explore and enjoy Victoria’s great outdoors, but unsafe campfires can have devastating consequences.

“Don’t be that person that leaves a campfire unattended, placing people and parks at risk.”

Regulations guide both the building and maintenance of campfires in Victoria’s parks.

In National and State parks, campfires may only be lit in designated fireplaces and in a State Forest, either a purpose-built fireplace or a trench at least 30cm deep may be used.

Campfires must not exceed one square metre, logs and branches on your campfire must be less than 1-metre in length and areas around campfires should be cleared of flammable material up to 3-metres in all directions.

An adult must also be present, awake, within 50-metres and have line of sight of the campfire at all times.

Victoria’s chief conservation regulator, Kate Gavens, said campfires are the biggest cause of avoidable bushfires in the state.

“Make sure you add campfire rules to your holiday preparation list and check them twice before setting up camp,” she said.

Penalties apply for those who breach campfire regulations or restrictions.

Forest Fire Management Victoria’s chief fire officer, Chris Hardman, said it can only take “one stray ember to cause a destructive fire”.

“Take extra care with campfires and know and follow the rules at all times.”

He said campfires should always be extinguished with at least 10-litres of water – the equivalent of a standard-sized bucket filled to the brim.

“If the ashes are cool to touch, it’s safe to leave,” Hardman said.

Fires that have not been properly extinguished, including those put out with soil, can smoulder for several days, and reignite under the right conditions.

Unattended campfires can be reported to Parks Victoria on 13 19 63 or the Conservation Regulator on 136 186.

To report a bushfire, call Triple Zero (000).

For step-by-step camping and campfire guides, visit parks.vic.gov.au/where-to-stay/camping-for-beginners