During the collection season, which runs March 1 to June 30, it will be legal to collect firewood from designated areas on public land in Victoria.

Details on the designated collection areas will be available online from March 1, or information can be found by calling 136 186.

“It’s important that people only collect firewood from designated collection areas in state forests or parks where collection is allowed, and to stay within collection limits,” Loddon Mallee assistant chief fire officer Scott Falconer said.

There will be a limit of two cubic metres per person per day, and a maximum of 16 cubic metres per household per financial year.

“This is to prevent households stockpiling large volumes of firewood from public land and denying others a supply,” Mr Falconer said.

Felling trees for firewood is prohibited.

Mr Falconer said Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning and Parks Victoria staff would patrol parks, forests and reserves to ensure people complied with the laws.

People who collect firewood outside designated areas, outside the collection season or take more than the maximum permitted amount can face an infringement notice of $634, or a maximum penalty of one-year imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $7,928.

The designated firewood collection area at Cohuna will open March 16, and will be open only to residents of Gannawarra Shire, Swan Hill Rural City, Loddon Shire and Campaspe Shire.

Some collection areas might be part of the planned burning program; details on burns can be found online, on the VicEmergency app or by calling 1800 226 226.

Anyone with information about the illegal removal of firewood for sale can report to DELWP on 136 186, quoting ‘Operation Block Splitter’.