Parks Victoria has issued a warning to campers, hikers and other bush lovers after rangers witnessed many trees dropping limbs close to camp sites and over roads last week: in your rush to get that perfect spot before the campsite fills, don’t forget to look up.
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Area chief ranger Andrew McDougall said he was patrolling last weekend when he heard a loud crack.
“As I looked between tents, across the river I saw a large River Red Gum fall to the ground bringing other trees with it,” he said.
“The wind was slow but the temperature was already 32 degrees. There was no warning other than the first loud crack.
“Campers on the beach were all amazed at how suddenly and without warning it happened.”
When camping outdoors this summer Parks Victoria advises you check the site before you set up and follow these rules:
- Never camp under or in the drop zone of a red gum tree. Limbs can fall at any time or whole trees can
- simply topple over with no warning.
- When limbs drop they can swing like pendulums and end up much further out from the tree than
- expected.
- If the trees near you have broken limbs high up in their canopies it’s a sign of past limb drop. Avoid
- camping close to these trees. Also check there are no broken limbs hanging up in the trees ready to
- fall. These are known as "widow makers" and need to be respected.
- Still days can be the highest risk however you can never tell. It might simply be a change in the
- weather or rain that triggers the limb drop.
- Don't take a risk. It only takes a small limb to fall from the top of a tree to severely injure or kill a
- person.
- Pay attention to weather warnings. If strong winds or extreme weather is forecast consider moving
- into a cleared area or going to town for the day. In extreme weather avoid driving if possible as limbs
- are frequently dropping across tracks and roads.
