Go without a campfire
Ongoing dry conditions in Victoria have greatly increased the risk of fire. With major fires in Victoria over summer, people are advised to be safety conscious and not introduce any fire into their area or property.
One thing you can do to help is to choose not to have a campfire, even if it isn't a Total Fire Ban day. Approximately 10 per cent of fires are started by campfire escapes.
If you still choose to have a campfire, don't let your campfire go bush!
- Most campfires escape when they are left unattended. An adult must be present at all times.
- Take extra care to build the fire properly.
- Keep your campfire just big enough for cooking and keeping warm.
- Look after your campfire constantly.
- Put your fire out properly with water not soil, even if going for a short walk or swim.
- Don't light a campfire, or keep one alight, on dry, windy days.
- Check fire restrictions. Can you have a campfire? Is it a day of Total Fire Ban?
Key things to remember:
- Before you light a fire, think about whether you really need the fire and the risk it presents.
- If a fire is cool to touch, it is safe to leave.
- Put the fire out with water, not soil. Fires can still smoulder under soil.
- Keep the campfire just big enough for cooking, or use other cooking appliances, such as a portable gas stove.
- Use a constructed fireplace where provided, or light the fire in a 30-centimetre-deep trench to prevent embers from flying out.
- Create a perimeter around the fire using rocks.
- Clear three metres of ground and air space of flammable material, such as leaves and twigs.
- Never, ever leave a fire unattended, even for a short while.
- You should take the same precautions when using appliances with naked flames such as gas stoves, as they can be blown over by winds and cause fires.
On Total Fire Ban days:
- Campfires and open flame barbecues are not permitted. This includes kettle/Weber style barbecues and solid fuel camp ovens.
- No liquid fuel or gas appliances - in the open, in a tent, annexe or tent-like trailer.
- Some parks provide built in electric or gas barbecues. These can be used if a water supply is within 10 metres, the barbecue is clear of all flammable material for a three metres area and an adult is present.
Penalties apply for camp fires that do not comply with regulations.
And remember, bonfires must not be lit anywhere. Firstly it’s illegal and, given the state of fires, the dryness of the bush and grasslands locally, it’s a recipe for disaster. |
|
|
