As families head outdoors for Easter adventures, nothing beats toasting marshmallows over a warm fire.
However, fire and land authorities have warned if people are not careful, a campfire or fire pit can go from a cozy glow to a full-blown bushfire faster than you can say ‘Easter egg hunt’.
Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) chief fire officer Chris Hardman said before campers settle in for stories under the stars, they should make sure they know and are following campfire safety rules.
“This season, we’ve responded to almost 300 incidents involving campfires, including the Boroka Lookout Fire in the Grampians National Park where an illegal campfire turned into a large bushfire. If it wasn’t for the efforts of our firefighters, that fire could have grown and destroyed the Halls Gap community.
“Campfires that escape are a big problem in Victoria. Always fully extinguish campfires with water, not soil and make sure it’s cool to touch before leaving,” Mr Hardman said.
Parks Victoria executive director of operations Kylie Trott said campfires are generally only permitted in designated fireplaces across most Victorian parks.
“Campfires aren’t allowed in all parks or campgrounds. In most cases fires must be within a constructed fireplace, so it’s essential to check the rules before your trip,” Ms Trott said.
“Someone should always be watching the fire while it’s burning, and ensure it is fully extinguished before you leave. The consequences of getting it wrong can be devastating.”
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said that while fire pits will also be a great source of warmth, careful consideration is key to keeping everyone safe from injuries and fire starts.
“Last year CFA responded to 219 fire pit incidents, which could have been prevented by simply having a safer set up and fully extinguishing them before walking away,” Mr Heffernan said.
“Make sure to give your fire pit plenty of room with at least three metres of space in all directions and place it on a flat, non-flammable surface.
“Have at least 10 litres of water or a hose nearby and an adult supervising the fire at all times so you can enjoy your long weekend without any surprises.”
Before hitting the road, people should be familiar with local campfire regulations and safety measures to help protect the environment and local communities, learn more here.
To understand what activities you can undertake, visit CFA’s Can I or Can’t I webpage.
Report unattended campfires to 136 186 or call 000 to report a bushfire.
