If you’ve forgotten to fully put out a campfire, read this before your next getaway
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Long weekends are a prime time for Aussie getaways, especially when it comes to pitching a tent and soaking up the serenity of the great outdoors.
But as winter sets in, a surprising seasonal risk is catching some campers off guard.
One state is sounding the alarm, urging travellers to take extra care before lighting up.
Long weekends often inspire spontaneous escapes—whether it’s a quick coastal break or a few nights around a crackling fire under the stars.
But while many Aussies packed up their tents and hit the road for the public holiday, authorities quietly issued a caution that may have slipped under the radar.
As the calendar flipped to winter, most assumed the bushfire threat had eased. Yet in one part of the country, the danger lingered—and not just in theory.
Despite the drop in temperature, parts of Victoria were still grappling with unusually dry conditions brought on by a warmer and drier-than-average autumn. That meant the fire risk hadn't disappeared—it had simply shifted.
Forest Fire Management Victoria Chief Fire Officer Chris Hardman didn’t mince words when addressing the issue.
‘Even at this time of year, just one unattended or poorly managed campfire can cause serious damage to the environment and put lives and property at risk,’ Mr Hardman said.
Authorities had already responded to more than 370 incidents involving campfires this season.
One particularly dangerous case involved an illegal fire that sparked a blaze near Boroka Lookout in the Grampians National Park. The terrain complicated firefighting efforts, drawing resources away from other bushfire responses.
‘This included the Boroka Lookout Fire, where an illegal campfire turned into a bushfire in difficult terrain, on the edge of the cliff diverting resources responding to bushfires in the Grampians National Park,’ Mr Hardman explained.
Campers who think they could get away with a cheeky fire in a risky area may have been in for a rude awakening.
Rangers will be out in full force over the long weekend, keeping a close eye on parks and forests across Victoria.
The message from authorities was simple: follow the rules or face steep penalties.
Anyone caught lighting a fire on a Total Fire Ban day could be hit with a fine of up to $47,421.60 or face two years in jail. Breaking general fire safety rules on public land could lead to a maximum penalty of $19,759 if prosecuted.
If you were planning to light a campfire in a Victorian state forest, here’s what you needed to know:
Mr Hardman added a simple but crucial tip: ‘If it’s cool to touch, it’s safe to leave.’
With another busy long weekend behind us, fire authorities hoped that a bit of extra care around the campfire would go a long way.
‘With a little extra care around your campfire this long weekend, we can keep forests and parks healthy and safe for everyone to enjoy,’ Mr Hardman said.
The warning might have come as a surprise to some, but the message was clear—winter didn’t mean the fire threat was over. For some regions, it was just beginning to heat up.
Before you head off on your next camping trip, it’s worth revisiting the best way to safely put out your campfire.
Take a moment to watch this simple guide—because a little extra care can make all the difference in keeping our parks safe for everyone.
Source: Youtube/NYSDEC
In a previous story, we explored the rising costs of camping trips and what families are doing to keep holidays affordable.
Many seniors who love camping with their grandkids will find this especially relevant.
Take a moment to read how a community petition is working to make outdoor escapes more budget-friendly for everyone.
As many seniors enjoy peaceful weekends away in nature, how do you stay safe around campfires during your trips? Share your experiences in the comments.
But as winter sets in, a surprising seasonal risk is catching some campers off guard.
One state is sounding the alarm, urging travellers to take extra care before lighting up.
Long weekends often inspire spontaneous escapes—whether it’s a quick coastal break or a few nights around a crackling fire under the stars.
But while many Aussies packed up their tents and hit the road for the public holiday, authorities quietly issued a caution that may have slipped under the radar.
As the calendar flipped to winter, most assumed the bushfire threat had eased. Yet in one part of the country, the danger lingered—and not just in theory.
Despite the drop in temperature, parts of Victoria were still grappling with unusually dry conditions brought on by a warmer and drier-than-average autumn. That meant the fire risk hadn't disappeared—it had simply shifted.
Forest Fire Management Victoria Chief Fire Officer Chris Hardman didn’t mince words when addressing the issue.
‘Even at this time of year, just one unattended or poorly managed campfire can cause serious damage to the environment and put lives and property at risk,’ Mr Hardman said.
Authorities had already responded to more than 370 incidents involving campfires this season.
One particularly dangerous case involved an illegal fire that sparked a blaze near Boroka Lookout in the Grampians National Park. The terrain complicated firefighting efforts, drawing resources away from other bushfire responses.
‘This included the Boroka Lookout Fire, where an illegal campfire turned into a bushfire in difficult terrain, on the edge of the cliff diverting resources responding to bushfires in the Grampians National Park,’ Mr Hardman explained.
Campers who think they could get away with a cheeky fire in a risky area may have been in for a rude awakening.
Rangers will be out in full force over the long weekend, keeping a close eye on parks and forests across Victoria.
The message from authorities was simple: follow the rules or face steep penalties.
Anyone caught lighting a fire on a Total Fire Ban day could be hit with a fine of up to $47,421.60 or face two years in jail. Breaking general fire safety rules on public land could lead to a maximum penalty of $19,759 if prosecuted.
If you were planning to light a campfire in a Victorian state forest, here’s what you needed to know:
- Fires were only permitted if conditions were safe.
- They were banned on Total Fire Ban days.
- If it was hot and windy, campers were urged to reconsider lighting up.
- Fireplaces had to be either purpose-built or dug at least 30cm into the ground.
- A 3-metre clearance was required around the fire—free of flammable items like tents, leaves or clothing.
- Fires and logs had to be kept under 1 metre across.
- Fires could not be left unattended at any time.
- Campers were told to fully extinguish fires before leaving, even briefly.
- Water—not soil or sand—must be used to put them out completely.
Mr Hardman added a simple but crucial tip: ‘If it’s cool to touch, it’s safe to leave.’
With another busy long weekend behind us, fire authorities hoped that a bit of extra care around the campfire would go a long way.
‘With a little extra care around your campfire this long weekend, we can keep forests and parks healthy and safe for everyone to enjoy,’ Mr Hardman said.
The warning might have come as a surprise to some, but the message was clear—winter didn’t mean the fire threat was over. For some regions, it was just beginning to heat up.
Before you head off on your next camping trip, it’s worth revisiting the best way to safely put out your campfire.
Take a moment to watch this simple guide—because a little extra care can make all the difference in keeping our parks safe for everyone.
Source: Youtube/NYSDEC
In a previous story, we explored the rising costs of camping trips and what families are doing to keep holidays affordable.
Many seniors who love camping with their grandkids will find this especially relevant.
Take a moment to read how a community petition is working to make outdoor escapes more budget-friendly for everyone.
As many seniors enjoy peaceful weekends away in nature, how do you stay safe around campfires during your trips? Share your experiences in the comments.
