Winter is no excuse to leave campfires burning, warns Parks Victoria.
Parks Victoria rangers and Forest Fire Management Victoria officers are urging visitors to follow campfire guidelines after responding to 45 unattended campfires on public land this winter.
“Too many people are leaving campfires unattended or not extinguishing them properly placing people and parks at risk,” Parks Victoria fire and emergency director David Nugent said.
“Even in winter, campfires can escape into surrounding bush and damage campgrounds and assets.
“Campers should always extinguish a campfire with plenty of water, not soil.
“Fire can keep burning under dirt and reignite if coals are still smouldering under the surface.
“A good rule to follow is: if it’s safe to touch, it’s safe to leave.”
About 10 per cent of bushfires are caused by campfires that escape and spread into surrounding bush.
“It takes a lot of time, effort and personnel to respond to a fire, so when campfires escape and could have been prevented by following the rules, it’s very frustrating,” Forest Fire Management Victoria chief fire officer Darrin McKenzie said.
