Survey finds a lack of campfire knowledge

PARKS Victoria is concerned by the findings of a survey that revealed just over a quarter of people knew how to correctly extinguish a campfire.

When presented with two options, only 26 percent of people correctly identified that water should be poured onto a campfire. The remaining 74 percent thought that a fire should be extinguished by covering it with soil or sand.

Campfires must always be fully extinguished with water, not soil, and must be cool to touch before being safe to leave.

The findings come during a peak time for camping in Victoria as the state, one of the most fire-prone areas in the world, experiences a period of high temperatures.

With about 10 per cent of bushfires caused by campfire negligence, Park Rangers have been out and about reminding people of fire regulations and to be aware of the very dry conditions.

In addition to assisting park visitors, Park Rangers perform an important role as firefighters and will be responding to bushfire situations this summer.

The survey, conducted in December, also revealed half of respondents didn’t know where and when a campfire could be lit in a national park.

In national parks, campfires may only be lit where designated fireplaces are provided. Fires are prohibited on days of Total Fire Ban.

“These survey findings are worrying, particularly given the number of people camping in Victoria during summer,” Parks Victoria director of fire and emergency services David Nugent said.

“Once you light a campfire, you’re legally responsible for ensuring that it is safe, does not escape, and is completely extinguished before you leave.”

“There’s plenty of information online to help people be fire aware. Now is the time to make sure you know what’s required.”

Information about campfires is available from the Forest Fire Management website. Before heading out to camp, people should also check the Parks Victoria website for any changes to park conditions.