It’s the middle of summer, so if it’s hot or windy, the public is asked not to light a campfire.
If you do have a campfire, it’s your responsibility to know the rules when building and maintaining it.
Before you leave, ensure it’s fully extinguished with water, not soil – if it’s cool to touch, it’s safe to go.
“Whether you’re camping, walking, riding or driving, weekends are a great opportunity to discover beautiful parks, forests and reserves,” deputy chief fire officer Scott Falconer 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.”
Any fires that start this weekend could spread quickly, so people should monitor the conditions by using the VicEmergency app and listen to local emergency radio stations in case of bushfires, storms or flooding.
Parts of the state have been and are still impacted by recent heavy rainfall and flooding.
Authorised officers will patrol areas so everyone can have a safe and enjoyable weekend.
Report unattended campfires to 136 186 and call 000 to report a bushfire.
For more information on campfire safety rules and forest regulations, visit ffm.vic.gov.au/permits-and-regulations/fire-restrictions-and-regulations