VICTORIA. — With thousands of Victorians expected to turn the Melbourne Cup public holiday into an extended camping break, authorities will step up patrols to target illegal campfires that could escape and become bushfires.
With thousands of Victorians expected to turn the Melbourne Cup public holiday into an extended camping break, authorities will step up patrols to target illegal campfires that could escape and become bushfires.
The Conservation Regulator and Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) will conduct patrols across state forests and national parks over the four days, one of the busiest weekends on Victoria’s camping calendar.
“Enjoy the Melbourne Cup break, but don’t gamble with campfire safety. A campfire can start a bushfire if no one’s watching it or it hasn’t been properly extinguished,” Chief Conservation Regulator Kate Gavens said.
The statewide blitz will focus on popular camping destinations where increased visitor numbers are expected over the extended break.
Across last year’s Melbourne Cup break, patrols detected 23 campfire offences, including 16 left unattended and a further five abandoned campfires at vacated campsites – putting people, properties and the environment at risk.
“Victoria’s campfire safety rules are in place to protect lives, properties and the environment. Know the campfire safety rules, keep your campfire under control and always put it out with water,” Kate Gavens said
Authorised Officers will remind campers of their responsibilities around campfire safety and issue fines of up to $627 where offences are detected.
Despite recent rainfall, vegetation remains dry across parts of Victoria, creating conditions where fire can spread quickly. One stray ember from an unattended or improperly extinguished campfire can be enough to spark a bushfire.
“The mild weather this weekend shouldn’t give anyone a false sense of security. Limited rainfall has left vegetation dry in many of our forests, and an escaped campfire can quickly ignite the surrounding bush,” FFMV Acting Chief Fire Officer Aaron Kennedy said.
Since the start of spring, Country Fire Authority (CFA) and FFMVic crews have responded to more than 80 incidents involving campfires.
Victoria’s campfire safety rules include keeping campfires small and controlled, never leaving them unattended and putting them out completely with water before leaving.
Soil is not a legal substitute for water, as hot coals can continue smouldering beneath the surface long after the flames have disappeared.
If prosecuted in court, the maximum court penalty for campfire offences on public land is $20,900.
“If a barbecue is part of your Melbourne Cup weekend plans, make sure fire safety is part of the preparation. Choose a clear area, have plenty of water on hand and never leave cooking equipment unattended,” CFA Chief Officer Garry Cook AFSM said.
Illegal campfires can be reported to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, and fire emergencies should be reported to Triple Zero (000).
For more information on Victoria’s campfire safety rules, visit Campfires, stoves and BBQs.
