With the weather finally warming up, and the outdoors becoming more enjoyable, many Victorians are turning their attention towards camping.
However, campfire safety is rarely the ‘hot’ topic it should be.
Between July 2023 and June 2024, Forest Fire Management Victoria responded to more than 580 unattended or abandoned campfires across the state. In the same period, the CFA responded to over 530 incidents involving campfires, many of which could have been avoided with proper precautions.
FFMVic Acting Chief Fire Officer Aaron Kennedy is urging people to be more careful when it comes to campfires, as unpredictable gusts of wind can easily carry embers from a campfire into the bush, creating a serious fire risk.
“Always fully extinguish campfires with water, not soil, and make sure it’s cool to touch before leaving,” Mr Kennedy said.
“We want people to enjoy the bush safely. By knowing and following the rules for building and maintaining campfires, we can help keep the bush healthy and safe for all.”
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan reminded campers it was their responsibility to check if the area they were visiting had entered the Fire Danger Period.
In most parks in Victoria, visitors are only permitted to light campfires in the fireplaces provided.
“There are some limited areas where campfires are permitted outside constructed fireplaces, but you need to check before you go. Fines of up to $3846 or infringements of $988 apply,” Parks Victoria senior manager enforcement and regulatory services Mark Breguet said.
“Remember to always have someone in attendance while a campfire is going, and properly extinguish the fire with water before you leave. The consequences can be devastating.”
Forest and wildlife officers will be out in force over the Melbourne Cup weekend to remind campers about the importance of campfire safety.
Felix Harding is a Greater Shepparton Secondary College student currently completing work experience with The News.