Authorities ask for respect on eve of firewood season

Forest Fire Management Victoria's deputy chief fire officer for the Grampians region Tony English said legal collection of firewood from designated ares on public land would begin on March 1 and close on June 30.

"In some locations, areas will remain closed due to ongoing fire activity, hazardous trees or where it may otherwise be unsafe for people to collect firewood," he said.

Mr English said it was important to only collect firewood from designated areas in State forests, where collection is allowed.

"These designated collection areas are put in place to protects sites of cultural and environmental significance," he said.

"It is important to stay within collection limits, which are in place to prevent households stockpiling large volumes...collection limits include taking a maximum of two cubic-metres per person per day and a maximum of 16 cubic metres per household per financial year.

"We take a zero-tolerance approach to illegal firewood collection, given the negative impacts it has on forest health, wildlife habitat, public safety and the sustainability of firewood resources."

Information and updates, including interactive maps showing designated collection areas, will be available at www.ffm.vic.gov.au/firewood from March 1.