School holiday campers could get a visit from Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) staff who are on a mission to ensure people enjoy their campfires, safely and responsibly.
Acting Regional Manager of Forest and Fire Operations at Loddon Mallee for FFMVic, James Marshall said campfire negligence caused approximately 10 per cent of all bushfires in the State.
“Unattended campfires can easily escape and have the potential to turn into bushfires that could have devastating impacts on life, property and the environment,” Mr Marshall said.
“We want people to get out and enjoy themselves these school holidays, but to make campfire safety a priority for their trip by knowing what they can and can’t do to protect our community from bushfires,” he said
“We will be taking a zero-tolerance approach to campfires that don’t comply with the campfire safety rules.”
Mr Marshall said people must adhere to certain regulations when building a campfire on public land, including never lighting a campfire during a Total Fire Ban; using a purpose-built fireplace where provided or a trench at least 30cm deep; firewood must be under one metre long; never leaving a campfire alight and unattended; and ensuring fires are fully extinguished by using water.
The Acting Regional Manager said on-the-spot fines of $545 could apply for breaches of campfire rules or a maximum penalty of up to $18,174 if the matter was prosecuted in court.
