Parks Victoria ranger-in-charge Brooke Ryan said penalties for lighting campfires illegally included 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,” he 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.”

Department of Environment and Primary Industries land and fire officer Tim Wishart said it was disappointing people still lit campfires on total fire ban days. 

“A total fire ban means no fires in the open air – yet some people seem to think those regulations don’t apply to them,” he said.

Visit the CFA website at www.cfa.vic.gov.au for more information.