Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) senior forest and fire operations officer Tim Wishart said firefighters responded to the alight and abandoned campfires while on regular patrols of Guttrum and Benwell State Forests, Gunbower Island, Braund Bend and Torrumbarry to Long Bend.
“This is just not good enough because escaped campfires can easily be prevented by people taking care and following the regulations,” he said.
“It is very disappointing people are not putting out their campfires with water and they are leaving before their fire is cool to touch with the back of the hand.
“People must extinguish their campfires properly because campfires have the potential to turn into bushfires that can impact life, property and the environment.
“We’re asking people to be vigilant and if they see a campfire that doesn’t look right or is unattended, please call 000.”
Campfires must not be ignited or allowed to continue to stay alight on days of Total Fire Ban.
In all other instances, the following campfire regulations apply:
1. Use a purpose-built fireplace where provided, otherwise light your campfire in a trench at least 30cm deep. Ensure the trench is no larger than one square metre and the area around the trench is cleared of flammable material up to 3m in all directions, including above the campfire.
2. Branches and logs on your campfire must be less than 1m long – keep your fire just big enough for warmth and cooking.
3. Never leave a campfire alight or unattended. You must maintain a 50m line of sight of the campfire at all times.
4. An adult must be present at all times when the campfire is alight.
5. Ensure your campfire is completely extinguished using water not soil. It must be cool to touch with the back of the hand.
Under the Forest Act 1958, on-the-spot fines of up to $496 can be issued for people breaching campfire safety rules and a person can face a maximum penalty of up to $16,522 if prosecuted in court.
For information on campfire safety rules and forest regulations, go to ffm.vic.gov.au/permits-and-regulations/fire-restrictions-and-regulations