VICTORIA’S fire and land management agencies are urging campers and holidaymakers to prioritise campfire safety this Melbourne Cup weekend.

Between July 2023 and June 2024, Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) responded to more than 580 unattended or abandoned campfires across the state.

In the same period, CFA responded to over 530 incidents involving campfires, many of which could have been avoided with proper precautions.

FFMVic Chief Fire Acting officer, Aaron Kennedy, urged people to be careful when it came to campfires, as gusty winds can easily carry embers from a campfire into the bush, posing 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’re visiting was in the Fire Danger Period.

“Fire restrictions are already in force in parts of the west and north-west of the state, so it’s important to know what you can and can’t do in those areas,” Mr Heffernan said.

Parks Victoria Regulatory Services and Enforcement senior manager, Mark Breguet said in most parks in Victoria, you are only permitted to light campfires in the fireplaces provided.

“There are some limited areas where campfires are permitted outside of constructed fireplaces, but you need to check before you go,” Mr Breguet said.

“Fines of up to $3846 or infringements of $988 apply.

“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.”

Chief conservation regulator, Kate Gavens said campfires were the biggest cause of avoidable bushfires in Victoria, and wants campers to make sure they know the rules about campfires and how to build a safe campfire.

“We want people to enjoy their time in state forests, but to ensure they make campfire safety a priority by knowing what they can and can’t do,” Ms Gavens said.

“Our forest and wildlife officers will be out there over the weekend to remind campers about the importance of campfire safety.”

With some parts of the state already entering the Fire Danger Period, it’s crucial for campers to follow safety guidelines to help prevent flare-ups and protect people, critical infrastructure and the environment.

Before hitting the road, people should be familiar with local campfire regulations and safety measures to help protect the environment and local communities.

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