CAMPERS are being urged to play it safe when it comes to using campfires, barbecues and recreational fires after hundreds of careless blazes had been reported this fire season.
Campfires have already caused 270 bushfires on public land this fire season, which is more than half the fires responded to by Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) crews.
At least 91 of these unattended campfires sparked bushfires over the Christmas and New Year period.
Conservation Regulator Authorised Officers have also detected more than 180 unattended campfires during patrols at state forest campsites since the start of November, with 29 infringements and 54 warnings issued.
Campers are reminded to be prepared before lighting a campfire, by checking weather conditions and warnings, including Total Fire Bans, on the Vic Emergency website or app.
It is also important to bring a bucket and making sure there is enough water to fully extinguish the campfire whenever it can’t be attended.
On-the-spot fines of $545 apply to those breaching campfire rules or a maximum penalty of up to $18,174 if the matter is prosecuted in court.
The maximum penalty for lighting or maintaining a fire during a Total Fire Ban is $43,617 and/or two years in jail.
Unattended campfires should be reported to 136 186 or call 000 to report a bushfire.
Forest Fire Management Victoria chief fire officer Chris Hardman sad just one spark from an unattended campfire could have devastating impacts and get out of control.
“Never leave a campfire unattended, never light one on a Total Fire Ban day and always make sure you have enough water to fully extinguish a campfire before you leave,” he said.
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said with fire restrictions in place across nearly all of Victoria, it’s especially important that Victorians know what the rules are where they live or travel to these last few weeks of the summer holidays.
“It’s also very important that Victorians stay informed and check Fire Danger Ratings every day so that they can make good decisions about activities they plan to undertake whether it’s enjoying a barbecue or lighting a campfire,” he said.
“While CFA and our partner agencies Fire Rescue Victoria and Forest Fire Management Victoria are prepared to protect Victorians communities this fire season, we look to the community to use common sense and take responsibility for preventing fires.
“Expect any escaped or uncontrolled fire you start to be investigated by CFA and Victoria Police.”
