Victoria's fire and land management agencies are urging campers and holidaymakers to prioritise campfire safety.
Between July 2023 and June 2024, Forest Fire Management Victoria responded to more than 580 unattended or abandoned campfires across the state, while CFA responded to more than 530 campfire-related incidents.
FFMVic acting chief fire officer Aaron Kennedy emphasised the importance of campfire safety, making sure they are fully extinguished with water, not soil, and making sure it was cool to touch before leaving.
Campers are also reminded to check if their destination was in the fire danger period, as restrictions are already in force in parts of western and north-western Victoria.
Parks Victoria enforcement and regulatory services senior manager Mark Breguet said in most parks in Victoria, you were only permitted to light campfires in the fireplaces provided.
“There are some limited areas where campfires are permitted outside of constructed fireplaces, but you need to check before you go. Fines of up to $3846 or infringements of $988 apply,” Mr Breguet said.
Conservation chief conservation regulator Kate Gavens said campfires were the biggest cause of avoidable bushfires in Victoria.
“We want people to enjoy their time in state forests, but to ensure they make campfire safety a priority by knowing what they can and can’t do,” she said.
Before hitting the road, people should be familiar with campfire regulations and safety measures to help protect the environment and communities.