As the King’s Birthday long weekend approaches, authorities have issued a warning to Australian families planning outdoor trips. While public holidays often inspire many to get away and enjoy camping under the stars, officials are urging campers to remain vigilant about fire risks. Despite the arrival of winter, the danger of bushfires has not disappeared, especially in certain regions.
In parts of western, southwestern, and southeastern Victoria, a warmer and drier-than-average autumn has contributed to a heightened risk of fire. Forest Fire Management Victoria’s Chief Fire Officer, Chris Hardman, emphasized that even during winter, campfires can quickly escalate into destructive bushfires. He warned that just one unattended or poorly managed campfire could cause serious harm to the environment and put lives and property in jeopardy.
Hardman highlighted that this season alone, emergency services have responded to more than 370 campfire-related incidents. One notable example was the Boroka Lookout Fire, which began from an illegal campfire and spread through challenging terrain near the Grampians National Park, diverting critical firefighting resources. He urged campers to exercise extra caution this long weekend to help keep forests and parks safe and enjoyable for all.
As a vital safety reminder, Hardman advised never leaving campfires unattended and always using water to fully extinguish fires before leaving the site or going to sleep. Rangers will also be actively patrolling Victoria’s parks and forests to enforce rules and prevent illegal fires during the holiday period.
Campers should be aware of important regulations: campfires are only permitted in state forests when it is safe, and lighting fires is strictly forbidden on Total Fire Ban Days. If weather conditions are hot and windy, reconsider whether a fire is necessary. Fires must be contained within purpose-built fireplaces or a hole at least 30cm deep, with a cleared area of at least three meters free of flammable materials. Fires and logs should be kept under one meter in size.
Failure to comply with fire regulations on Victorian public land can result in severe penalties. Individuals caught breaking the rules face fines up to $19,759, while lighting a fire on a Total Fire Ban day carries a maximum fine of $47,421.60 and even two years in jail.
This warning serves as a critical reminder to all campers to prioritize safety, respect fire regulations, and protect Victoria’s natural spaces during the upcoming long weekend.
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