A careless campfire could be the real upset this Cup weekend
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As Victorians venture into our forests and parks this Melbourne Cup weekend, the Conservation Regulator Victoria, CFA, Parks Victoria, and Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) are urging campers to learn about campfire safety before they go.
Even though the nights remain cool at this time of the year, days can be warm and often windy. Just one unattended or poorly managed campfire can cause serious environmental damage and put lives and property at risk.
It’s important that Victorians take a moment to check the weather forecast – especially the projected wind speeds – before heading out.
People need to make sure that their campfire is put out correctly by extinguishing it completely with water, not soil. Fires that haven’t been properly extinguished can smoulder under soil for days and reignite in the warm and windy conditions.
Before you light a fire always check fire restrictions, including whether a Total Fire Ban is in place. Download the VicEmergency app or go to www.emv.vic.gov.au.
People who breach campfire regulations on public land face a maximum penalty of $19,759 if the matter is prosecuted in court. The maximum penalty for lighting or maintaining a fire during a day of Total Fire Ban is $47,421.60 and/or 2 years in jail.
Report unattended campfires to DEECA at 136 186 or call 000 to report a bushfire.
For more on campfire rules go to: https://www.vic.gov.au/campfires-stoves-and-bbqs
Quotes attributable to Scott Turner, Acting Chief Fire Officer, Forest Fire Management Victoria:
“We want everyone to enjoy their visit to our forests and parks this weekend, but if you have a campfire, it’s crucial that you put it out properly when you leave. Putting soil on top of a campfire does not extinguish it – you must use water.”
Quotes attributable to CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan:
“Before heading out this weekend, campers must check the weather conditions and be aware of any Total Fire Bans in place. It’s essential to understand what is permitted at their destination to avoid putting people and the environment at risk.”
Quotes attributable to Kate Gavens, Chief Conservation Regulator:
“We’ll have authorised officers visiting our parks and forests this weekend to make sure that campers are following the rules and to make sure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable long weekend.”
Quotes attributable to Chris Mercier, Manager, Enforcement Capability, Parks Victoria:
“We encourage everyone to get out and enjoy Victoria’s incredible natural spaces, but it’s important to remember that unsafe campfires can have devastating consequences. Just one person ignoring the rules can put entire communities and the environment at serious risk.”