From March 1, Victorians will be able to collect firewood on public land.

Hume Assistant chief fire officer Aaron Kennedy said it will once again be legal for people to collect firewood from public land in designated areas until June 30.

‘‘It’s important that people only collect firewood from designated firewood areas to protect sites of cultural and environmental significance,’’ he said.

‘‘People should drive on existing forest tracks and roads when collecting firewood and they must stay within collection limits, which are a maximum of two cubic metres per person per day and a maximum of 16 cubic metres per household per year.

‘‘Some households rely on firewood for winter heating, so it’s important to consider others when collecting firewood.’’

Mr Kennedy went on to remind those who collect firewood from public land that it’s illegal to fell trees and that park officers will be patrolling areas open for firewood collection.

He also reminded people that they should check local weather forecasts before heading into any public land to make sure it was safe to do so and care should be taken when using chainsaws and splitters.

‘‘Forests are currently extremely dry due to below average rainfall and hot summer so it’s important firewood collectors are careful not to start fires when using chainsaws and splitters,’’ Mr Kennedy said.

Mr Kennedy also recommended that people check if any areas they want to visit are scheduled to be part of the autumn planned burning program as sections can be closed at short notice.

Under the Forest Act 1958, people who collect firewood outside designated firewood collection areas or a firewood collection season or take more than the maximum allowable amounts can face fines of up to $8059 or a maximum penalty of one-year imprisonment or both, if the matter proceeded to court.

An interactive map showing where the public can collected firewood will be available from March 1 at ffm.vic.gov.au/ firewood.

Information on planned burns can be found at ffm.vic.gov.au/plannedburn.

For more information on firewood collection or to report illegal or suspicious behaviour in public land areas, phone the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning on 136186.