FOREST Fire Management Victoria has encouraged people to report illegal collection of firewood after two men were fined north of Maryborough.
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The men were each fined $661 for cutting and removing firewood from Timor State Forest.
Forest Fire Management Victoria's Tim Wishart said the activity took place outside of the firewood collection season on public land.
"People can only take firewood from designated collection areas in state forests or parks during the autumn or spring firewood seasons," Mr Wishart said.
"Firewood collection on public land is for personal use only and the firewood cannot be sold."
People collecting firewood for domestic use are allowed up to two cubic metres per day, and 16 cubic metres per financial year.
Commercial firewood suppliers have to have licences and permits to collect and sell firewood grown on public land.
"Authorised officers regularly patrol parks, forest and reserves and will take action against illegal firewood collection because of the negative impact it has on forest health, wildlife habitat, public safety and the sustainability of firewood resources that local communities rely on," Mr Wishart said.
The men who were collecting firewood from Timor State Forest were fined following information from a member of the public.
There is an ongoing operation targeting the unlawful removal of commercial quantities of firewood from public land, as well as suppliers of illegal firewood, called Operation Hollows.
"We encourage anyone buying firewood to question where it is being sourced from and to report suspected illegal collection or selling of firewood on 136 186," Mr Wishart said.
He said people could visit ffm.vic.gov.au/firewood for more about firewood collection in Victoria.
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