AUTUMN firewood collection season is open and will run until 30 June, 2023, but woodcutters are reminded of their strict obligations to wildlife and habitats, as well as protected Aboriginal sites, when they head out for a woodcut.

During the season, firewood can be collected from designated firewood collection areas in state forests or parks across the region and is for personal use only; collected firewood cannot be sold.

Woodcutters are urged to be mindful of their surroundings and the tree canopy, when working, as both the weather and forests, can be unpredictable.

“This autumn there are 16 firewood collection areas available across the region,” Barwon South West Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Andrew Morrow said.

“Please check for updates before heading to a collection point and observe all access, regulatory and safety related signage in the forest. Respect the environment and be careful of your own safety when collecting firewood.”

Access to firewood collection areas may be disrupted at short notice due to planned burning or other fuel management operations, more information can be found at https://plannedburns.ffm.vic.gov.au.

Any information the community may have about the illegal removal of firewood for sale can be reported to FFMVic on 136 186.

Financial assistance is available for people on low incomes who purchase firewood.

Local permitted collection areas and assistance for this who need to buy wood, can also be found at the FFMVic website.

The Conservation Regulator is urging people to help save critical wildlife habitat and protect Aboriginal scarred trees by sourcing firewood responsibly.

Illegal firewood collectors have caused significant damage to parks, forests and reserves in recent years, with some areas like the Mansfield Swamp Wildlife Reserve in Northern Victoria losing an estimated 50 per cent of its old mature trees through timber theft.

Birds and reptiles as well as a range of native mammals, such as possums, gliders and bats, rely on hollows in both standing and fallen trees for habitat.

The illegal collection of firewood, if made up of mature trees and limbs, also has potential to harm Aboriginal scarred trees.

During collection periods, people can collect a maximum of two cubic metres of firewood per person per day and a maximum of 16 cubic metres of firewood per household per financial year.

Anyone caught breaking firewood collection rules can face on-the-spot-fines of $740 under the Forests Act 1958 or a maximum penalty of $9,246 and/or 1 year jail if the matter is taken to court.