But while campers enjoy this picturesque experience at Victoria’s parks and forests this long weekend, their main focus must be on campfire safety.
To support this, Conservation Regulator, Parks Victoria, and Forest Fire Management Victoria will conduct weekend patrols to monitor compliance with campfire regulations.
Fire authorities are particularly concerned about the alarming number of unattended campfires discovered this year – 257 incidents on public land since the financial year began.
“Even if a total fire ban has not been declared, we encourage campers to consider the need for a campfire on hot or windy days,” Forest Fire Management Victoria chief fire officer Chris Hardman said.
“If you are building a campfire, make sure you know how to build a safe one, don’t leave it unattended while it is alight, and that you put it out with water.
“If the ashes are cool to touch – it’s safe to leave.
“It only takes one stray ember to cause a destructive fire.”
The stakes are high for those who disregard fire restrictions.
Strict penalties apply for lighting campfires on total fire ban days, with fines up to $47,421.60 and possible jail time of two years.
Regular offenders face a maximum penalty of $19,759 if prosecuted in court.
In recent weeks, illegal campfires have increased due to extreme weather conditions despite declarations of total fire bans.
“Our authorised officers will be visiting campsites throughout Victoria’s parks and forests, making sure everyone follows the rules so we can all have a safe and enjoyable long weekend,” Conservation Regulator chief Kate Gavens said.
To promote safe camping practices, authorities remind everyone to follow fire restrictions closely.
Campers should plan ahead, considering cooking alternatives like portable butane cook tops.
When lighting a campfire, it must not exceed 1 sq m, and all flammable materials within 3m must be cleared.
Additionally, campfires should never be left unattended, and they must be fully extinguished using at least 10 litres of water before leaving the site.
Parks Victoria manager of enforcement capability Chris Mercier said they do not wish to discourage people from exploring Victoria’s great outdoors, however, it is essential to remember that unsafe campfires can have devastating consequences.
“It only takes one camper ignoring the rules to endanger the community and our environment,” he said.
To report unattended campfires, contact DEECA at 136 186 or dial 000 to report a bushfire.
For more information on campfire rules, visit www.vic.gov.au/campfires-stoves-and-bbqs
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