Illegal campfires are a point of focus for the Conservation Regulator as they step up patrols throughout the Loddon Mallee.

Conservation Regulator officers, with Forest Fire Management Victoria, will patrol popular camping and recreation areas, such as Koorlong, Cobaw, Pyrenees and Gunbower State Forests.

Acting Regulatory Operations Manager Glenn Smith says campfire negligence can have a serious impact.

“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.”

“If you light a campfire, you are legally responsible for ensuring it is safe, does not escape and is completely extinguished before you leave.”

Forest Fire Management says 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.

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.

People are asked to report suspicious or illegal activities, including unattended campfires to 136 186.