Patrols to crackdown on illegal camp fires in Grampians region

Checks in the region will target illegal campfires as the Conservation Regulator steps up patrols.

About 10 per cent of all bushfires are caused by campfire negligence.

Popular camping and recreation areas from Lake Burrumbeet through to the Rocklands reservoir area, on the western side of the Grampians range, will be part of the crackdown by Conservation Regulator officers and Forest Fire Management Victoria.

Officers will look for unsafe campfires to prevent bushfires being started by negligence and penalise people found in breach of campfire safety rules.

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"All too often we see the consequences of people ignoring campfire safety rules, with approximately ten per cent of all bushfires caused by campfire negligence, " Brian Hamer, Manager Regulatory Operations, said.

"It is a serious offence to leave a fire unattended, even for a short while, as most campfires escape when left unattended."

"If you light a campfire, you are legally responsible for ensuring it is safe, does not escape and is

Visitors will also be reminded about campfire safety and encouraged to report suspicious or illegal activities, including unattended campfires, to 136 186.

The following campfire safety rules are always in force on public land:

1. In state forests, use a purpose-built fireplace if provided, otherwise use a trench at least 30 cm deep.

2. In national and state parks, campfires may only be lit in purpose-built fireplaces provided.

3. Branches and logs on campfires must be less than one metre long.

4. Never leave a campfire alight or unattended.

5. Fully extinguish your campfire with water, not soil.

6. All campfires are banned on Total Fire Ban days.

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The maximum penalty for lighting a fire during a Total Fire Ban is $39,652 or two years in jail or both, and on the spot fines of up to $496 can be issued for people breaching other campfire safety rules.

Campers have also been reminded to be COVID safe by wearing face masks, practising physical distancing, sanitising hands and keeping to group size limits.

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