Forest Fire Management Victoria’s Tim Wishart said, since the beginning of 2017, 18 bushfires had been started by campfire negligence in central Victoria.

“This is placing the community and firefighters at risk, as well as potentially damaging the environment and affecting industry and recreational users of our public land,” he said.

“It takes a lot of time, effort and personnel to respond to a fire, so when campfires escape and could have been prevented by following the rules, it’s very frustrating.” 

A new campaign by Forest Fire Management Victoria is hoping to stop this number climbing during summer.

“We want people to get out there and enjoy themselves but make campfire safety a priority for their trip by knowing what they can and can’t do,” Mr Wishart said. 

The warning comes after a scrub fire at Huntly earlier this month, where authorities are investigating as to whether a campfire was to blame.

The blaze burnt six hectares of public land alongside the Bendigo Creek and was being monitored by crews for days after.

Forest Fire Management Victoria senior fire management officer Jeff Wilkie said the fire occurred on a day of total fire ban, when no campfires should be lit.

Firefighters were also called to an unattended campfire at Mount Alexander days earlier.

“Campfires shouldn’t be left unattended,” Mr Wilkie said.

“Extinguish them with water and if it’s cool to touch, then you’re good to go.”

People found breaching campfire safety rules can find themselves with on the spot fines of up to $476 and, if the matter is prosecuted in court, can face a maximum penalty of $15,872.

Parks Victoria fire and emergency director David Nugent said rangers regularly patrolled parks, forests and reserves to ensure campers were doing the right thing and to educate visitors on campfire safety. 

“Before you head out, make sure you plan ahead and check the long-range weather forecast. If in doubt on a hot day, don't light your campfire,” he said.

“We are asking people to be vigilant about campfire safety and if they see a campfire that doesn’t look right or is unattended to call 136 186 or 000 if they see a bushfire. 

“It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure they follow the campfire safety rules.”

For more information, visit https://www.ffm.vic.gov.au/permits-and-regulations/fire-restrictions-and-regulations