Authorities Urge Campfire Safety Ahead of Grand Final Long Weekend

Victorians heading bush for the Grand Final Long Weekend are being urged to play it safe with campfires, as authorities warn that improperly extinguished fires remain one of the leading causes of bushfires.

Forest Fire Management Victoria, Parks Victoria, the CFA, and Conservation Regulator Victoria are reminding campers to follow strict campfire safety guidelines.

Fires must be smaller than one square metre, clear of flammable materials for three metres in all directions, and extinguished with at least 10 litres of water - not soil.

“It only takes one camper ignoring the rules to endanger the community and our environment,” said Chris Mercier from Parks Victoria.

“We want people to get out and enjoy the outdoors, but unsafe campfires can have devastating consequences.”

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan added that checking weather conditions is essential.

“Anyone planning to have a campfire must know if a Total Fire Ban is in place and what they can and can’t do wherever they are going,” he said.

Chris Hardman, Chief Fire Officer with Forest Fire Management Victoria, reminded campers: “If you light it, you own it. Put it out with water - not soil - and never leave a fire unattended.”

Authorised officers will be patrolling campsites across the state to ensure compliance. More information on fire safety rules is available at www.vic.gov.au