Total fire ban = no campfires. Simple really.

[Member]

Total fire ban = no campfires. Simple really.

31 December 2013 - DEPI Victoria

Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI) officers and Parks Victoria rangers were disappointed to find five campfires alight on Saturday, a day of total fire ban, along the Murray River between Echuca and Koondrook.

DEPI Land and Fire Officer, Tim Wishart, said it was a day of extreme fire danger plus a total fire ban yet some people still decided to have a campfire.

"A total fire ban means no fires in the open air – it is that simple – yet some people seem to think those regulations don't apply to them," Mr Wishart said.

"The risk of a camp fire escaping on a hot and windy day like Saturday is very real and once a fire gets going in the bush it is very difficult to stop."

Parks Victoria Ranger-in-Charge, Brooke Ryan, said penalties for lighting campfires illegally include large fines and possible imprisonment.

"We're taking a zero tolerance approach to people flouting campfire regulations because the damage a bushfire can do to lives, property and the environment is immense," Ms Ryan said.

"Campfires are not allowed on a day of total fire ban and it is your responsibility to check if any declarations are in place before you light one."

Information about fire danger ratings and total fire ban declarations is available on the CFA website at www.cfa.vic.gov.au or by calling the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667.

Other basic campfire safety tips include:
•Don't light a campfire on dry, windy days;
•Use a constructed fireplace where provided.  Otherwise, light it in a 30cm trench to prevent embers flying out;
•Clear three metres of ground and airspace around your fire of flammable materials such as leaves and twigs;
•Keep your campfire just big enough for cooking and keeping warm – it mustn't be more than one square metre in dimension;
•Put your fire out properly with water not soil.  Fires can still smoulder under soil;
•Most campfires escape when they are left unattended.  Never, ever leave a fire unattended, even for a short while; and
•If the fire is cool to touch, it is safe to leave.