DSE Home > About Us > Media releases > Don’t let your campfire go bush on Australia Day

The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) and Parks Victoria are urging the community to act responsibly and show extreme caution when lighting campfires and using barbecues in parks and camping grounds over the Australia Day long weekend. 

Victoria has now entered its peak fire danger season and there are hot and dry conditions forecast for Australia Day and the following weekend. 

DSE State Duty Officer, Dennis Ward said fire crews have been called to a number of fires caused by escaped campfires in Northern Victoria which unnecessarily takes firefighters from critical fire management duties. 

 “People who do not act responsibly when lighting and using campfires can place people and property at risk if the fire escapes. People need to construct and use campfires in accordance with fire regulations,” Mr Ward said.

“Campers have to take responsibility for their campfires and to be accountable for their actions; otherwise they will face serious penalties.”

Campers can be given on the spot fines of $366.40 for not complying with the regulations. For serious offences they can be convicted and face fines of between $5,000 and up to $10,000 or two years imprisonment. 

Campers must ensure that for solid fuel fires:

• Use a constructed fire place or in a pit at least 30 centimetres deep 
• Do not occupy an area more than one square metre and that fuel used is not more than 1 metre in length.
• Have all flammable material must be cleared up to three metres around and above the fire (a non-solid fuel barbeque must have a cleared area around it of 1.5 metres)
• Are within their line of sight and that they are not more than 50 metres away from the fire
• Are cool to touch before being left. 

No campfire or barbeque can be lit on days of Total Fire Ban in areas where a ban applies. 

“The Australia Day weekend is a fantastic time to enjoy camping along the river, but everyone must take real care with campfires” Mr Ward said.

“Before you light a campfire, make sure you know whether campfires are generally permitted in that location and if any fire restrictions are in place at that time.”

For further information on campfires you can visit www.dse.vic.gov.au or phone the DSE customer services centre on 136 186.