As Victorians venture into our forests and parks this Melbourne Cup weekend, the Conservation Regulator Victoria, CFA, Parks Victoria, and Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) are urging campers to learn about campfire safety before they go.
Even though the nights remain cool at this time of the year, days can be warm and often windy. Just one unattended or poorly managed campfire can cause serious environmental damage and put lives and property at risk.
What you should do
Before heading out this weekend, campers must check the weather conditions and be aware of any Total Fire Bans in place. It’s essential to understand what is permitted at your destination to avoid putting people and the environment at risk.
It’s important that Victorians take a moment to check the weather forecast – especially the projected wind speeds – before heading out.
Make sure that your campfire is put out correctly by extinguishing it completely with water, not soil. Fires that haven’t been properly extinguished can smoulder under soil for days and reignite in the warm and windy conditions.
Before you light a fire always check fire restrictions, including whether a Total Fire Ban is in place. Download the VicEmergency app or go to the Emergency Management Victoria website.
What we are doing
Authorised officers will be visiting our parks and forests this weekend to make sure that campers are following the rules and to make sure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable long weekend
People who breach campfire regulations on public land face a maximum penalty of $19,759 if the matter is prosecuted in court. The maximum penalty for lighting or maintaining a fire during a day of Total Fire Ban is $47,421.60 and/or 2 years in jail.
Report unattended campfires to DEECA at 136 186 or call 000 to report a bushfire.
For more on campfire rules, visit: Campfires, stoves and BBQs.
Page last updated: 28/10/25