VICTORIANS will not be able to collect firewood from public land from midnight tonight when the autumn collection season finishes.

Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) Barwon South West acting deputy chief fire officer, Maria Lambrinos, said firewood collection areas would reopen on Thursday, September 1.

Ms Lambrinos said firewood is finite and unpredictable as an energy source.

“Wood collected now will often be green or wet to be used for firewood this winter and needs to be dried before use,” she said.

“This is why we encourage people to plan ahead for their year’s firewood needs.”

People who collect firewood outside designated firewood collection areas or a firewood collection season or take more than the maximum allowable amounts face a fine of $727, and then a maximum penalty of one year imprisonment or a fine of up to $9087, or both, if the matter proceeds to court.

Ms Lambrinos said financial help is available for people on low incomes who purchase firewood or wish to transition to other energy sources.

For more information please visit: bit.ly/3I36Y22

Non mains energy concessions: bit.ly/3y5m2Yp

Non-Mains Utility Relief Grant Scheme: bit.ly/3QSzFCF

Home Heating and Cooling Upgrades Program: heatingupgrades.vic.gov.au