THE Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) will be running patrols in popular camping and recreation areas in the region over Easter.
\nForest fire management spokesperson Wes Burns said the focus would be on campfire safety, rubbish dumping, littering in campsites and the illegal collection of firewood.
\n\u201cThe Labour Day long weekend and Easter are typically busy, with thousands of people visiting our parks and forests in both the Far South West and Otway districts.
\n\u201cIt\u2019s critically important that everyone understands that while summer has ended, the risk of bushfire remains very high due to the lack of significant rainfall in many areas.
\n\u201cIf you choose to have a campfire, you must ensure it is properly constructed, supervised at all times and properly extinguished before you leave.\u201d
\nHe said campfires were not allowed on days of Total Fire Ban, so people should check the weather forecast and the fire danger ratings before they left home.
\n\u201cOur officers will also be paying attention to the collection of firewood, which can only occur in designated firewood collection areas, and the correct disposal of rubbish.
\n\u201cOtway District will also be conducting a planned trail bike compliance operation with DELWP staff patrolling the bush over Easter to ensure trail bike riders ride safely and reduce any environmental impacts.
\n\u201cTrail bike riders must stay on the formed roads and vehicle tracks.
\n\u201cWe encourage people to ride safely, responsibly and show social consideration to others, particularly around campsites. They are reminded that only licensed riders and registered trail bikes are allowed on public land.\u201d
\nThe autumn firewood collection season started on March 1 and closes on June 30.
\n\u201cPeople are reminded to only collect firewood from designated areas and stay within load limits,\u201d Mr Burns said.
\nFines of up to $7,583 can apply for offences, along with one year of imprisonment or both.
\nFor more information, head to delwp.vic.gov.au\/ firewood or phone 136 186.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) will be running patrols in popular camping and recreation areas in the region over Easter. Forest fire management spokesperson Wes Burns said the focus would be on campfire safety, rubbish dumping, littering in campsites and the illegal collection of firewood. \u201cThe Labour Day long weekend and […]<\/p>\n