General News
25 January, 2024
Stay safe while enjoying the long weekend
With thousands of Victorians expected to make the most of the long weekend by exploring parks, forests and reserves, Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) is asking visitors to plan ahead and enjoy their trip. FFMVic is imploring residents and...
With thousands of Victorians expected to make the most of the long weekend by exploring parks, forests and reserves, Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) is asking visitors to plan ahead and enjoy their trip.
FFMVic is imploring residents and those visiting the region to use common sense and not light a campfire this long weekend.
If campers do decide to light one, it’s important they know the rules when building and maintaining the campfire, including how to ensure it’s properly and fully extinguished.
FFMVic is urging people to be careful, especially when it comes to campfires, as gusty winds can and will carry embers from a campfire into the bush.
Deputy Chief Fire Officer Scott Falconer said while the long weekend should be enjoyed, safety must be prioritised.
“Whether you’re camping, walking, riding or driving, weekends are a great opportunity to discover beautiful parks, forests and reserves,” he said.
“We want people to enjoy forests, but with 17 unattended campfires found across the Loddon Mallee region in the last two weeks, FFMVic are reminding visitors to follow campfire safety rules to make sure the bush is healthy and safe for everyone to enjoy.”
According to FFMVic, any fires that start this weekend have the potential to spread quickly, so residents should monitor the conditions, use the VicEmergency app and listen to local emergency radio stations in case of bushfire, storms or flooding.
Parts of the state have been and are still impacted by recent heavy rainfall and flooding, with residents asked to take care, drive slowly and follow any closures.
Authorised officers will patrol areas to ensure safety and compliance but they can’t be everywhere. Community members are urged to report unattended campfires to 136 186 and call Triple Zero (000) to report a bushfire.
For more information on campfire safety rules and forest regulations, visit www.ffm.vic.gov.au/permits-and-regulations/fire-restrictions-and-regulations.