THOSE heading camping across the Alpine Shire this King's Birthday long weekend are being urged to practise campfire safety.
Despite cooler temperatures, Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) chief fire officer Chris Hardman warned that dry conditions in parks and forests mean campfires can easily escalate into bushfires.
"Even at this time of year, just one unattended or poorly managed campfire can cause serious damage to the environment and put lives and properties at risk," he said.
Mr Hardman noted there have been over 370 campfire-related incidents this season, including the Boroka Lookout Fire, where an illegal campfire became a bushfire.
"With a little extra care around your campfire this long weekend, we can keep forests and parks healthy and safe for everyone to enjoy," he said.
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"Never leave a campfire unattended and use water to fully extinguish it – if it’s cool to touch it’s safe to leave."
Chief conservation regulator Kate Gavens said authorised officers will be visiting campsites throughout Victoria’s parks and forests to make sure everyone is following the rules so we can all have a safe and enjoyable long weekend.
CFA acting chief officer Garry Cook AFSM advised caution for planned burn-offs, stressing the need for sufficient water and resources.
"Escaped burn-offs, particularly in the current dry conditions, continue to cause significant concern and great risk to our communities across the state," he said.
"It is really important landowners have someone monitoring their fire activity at all times.
"Although cooler days are arriving, now is not the time to be complacent."
Mr Cook urged residents to check wind forecasts, maintain fire breaks, and register burn-offs.
Campfire regulations can be found at https://www.vic.gov.au/campfires-stoves-and-bbqs.
