General News
26 January, 2023
Don’t underestimate campfire risks
The importance of campfire responsibility and barbecue safety is being highlighted this Australia Day weekend, with fire authorities urging residents to take care throughout the district. The Conservation Regulator, Parks Victoria, Forest Fire...
The importance of campfire responsibility and barbecue safety is being highlighted this Australia Day weekend, with fire authorities urging residents to take care throughout the district.
The Conservation Regulator, Parks Victoria, Forest Fire Management Victoria and the Country Fire Authority are banding together to remind Victorians about the risks of unsafe campfires and barbecues in a bid to decrease the risk of fires both at home and on public land.
Authorities are warning that given grass growth due to increased rainfall last year, unattended campfires and barbecues could escape and spark bushfires.
Conservation Regulator, Parks Victoria and Forest Fire Management officers will patrol campsites on public land this weekend to educate campers and enforce campfire rules.
Data from the CFA shows that in the past decade, almost 30 percent of bushfires have been caused by escaped private fires — with 16 percent caused by previous fires not being properly extinguished or left unattended.
“Conditions have been heating up in recent weeks which has dried vegetation out considerably, so I urge all Victorians ahead of this weekend to check the Fire Danger Ratings and to heed our warnings before heading out and about,” CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said.
The mercury is set to hit a high of 32 degrees today and 36° Saturday, before cooling to a top of 27° on Sunday, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.
Parks Victoria director fire, emergency and enforcement David Nugent said while fire risks may not be as obvious as in past years, their presence is real.
“We know people will be keen to get back into nature following the wet summer we have had,” he said.
“Fire risk may not seem as obvious this year, but as hot weather and windy days can change things very quickly.
“Always check weather conditions and park closures before you head into the bush.”
For those planning to use a campfire over the weekend, fire authorities advise that:
• If you’re planning to have a campfire in a state forest, you must use a purpose-built fireplace if available, otherwise dig a trench at least 30 centimetres deep and in national parks, fires can only be lit in purpose-built fireplaces.
• The campfire must not exceed one square metre, and three metres above and around your fire must be clear of flammable material.
• Branches and logs on your campfire must be no longer than one metre.
• Never leave a campfire unattended.
• Campfires must be extinguished with water, not soil, as fires can still smoulder under soil. If the remains of a campfire are cool to touch, they are safe to leave.
For barbecues:
• If a fire occurs, turn off the gas at the cylinder or meter if safe to do so. In most cases this should allow the fire to extinguish itself. If you’re unable to extinguish the fire, call Triple Zero (000).
• Check the LP gas cylinder on your barbecue before you turn it on and check the hose to make sure it hasn’t deteriorated.
• Check for gas leaks by spraying soapy water on the connections and hoses. Bubbles will appear if there is a leak when you turn on the gas.
• Use your barbecue in a clear space — never use it indoors or in a confined area and ensure adequate clearance from walls, fences and other property.
• Do not use barbecues in windy conditions as the burners may blow out, risking a gas leak.