THERE will be more patrols targeting illegal campfires in the Loddon Mallee region.
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Conservation Regulator officers and Forest Fire Management Victoria will patrol popular camping and recreation areas.
Officers will look for unsafe campfires to prevent bushfires from being started by negligence.
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People found in breach of campfire safety rules will be penalised.
Officers will also remind visitors about campfire safety and encourage people to report suspicious or illegal activities, including unattended campfires, to 136 186.
The following campfire safety rules are always in force on public land:
- In state forests, use a purpose-built fireplace if provided, otherwise use a trench at least 30cm deep.
- In national and state parks, campfires may only be lit in purpose-built fireplaces provided.
- Branches and logs on campfires must be less than one metre long.
- Never leave a campfire alight or unattended.
- Fully extinguish your campfire with water, not soil.
- All campfires are banned on Total Fire Ban days.
The maximum penalty for lighting a fire during a Total Fire Ban is $39,652 or two years in jail or both.
On the spot fines of up to $496 can be issued for people breaching other campfire safety rules.
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