Victorians can collect free firewood for personal use from designated state forest firewood collection areas from Sunday 1 March.
Due to ongoing elevated fire risk, the season will start on 1 April in the Murray Goldfields District, which spans from Cohuna and Echuca in the north through Bendigo and surrounding forests to Kyneton and Macedon in the south.
The autumn firewood season is open until 30 June 2026, but collectors are reminded individual collection areas may open later if affected by this summer’s bushfires or recovery work. Collection areas are closed earlier if no more firewood is available.
You can view maps showing available collection areas from Sunday 1 March. Maps are updated throughout the season as collection areas open or close due to availability or access. An interactive map includes details about vehicle access, while pdf maps include safety and other practical information.
Forest Fire Management Victoria Chief Fire Officer Chris Hardman said FFMVic was working quickly to establish new collection points in fire-impacted areas where firewood can be cut and collected.
Mr Hardman urged Victorians to collect wood safely and responsibly.
'Please check daily fire conditions and road closures before travelling to collection areas, and only drive on formed roads,' he said.
'I encourage you to wear the right safety clothing and be aware of the environment around you and the safety of yourself and others as trees may fall or drop limbs without warning.'
'Take great care when using chainsaws and don’t use them at all on Total Fire Ban days – one spark from a chainsaw can start a fire in dry conditions, putting yourself and others at risk.'
Within designated collection areas, collectors can collect and cut wood that is on the ground due to natural fall or forest and fire management works. Heavy penalties apply to anyone who cuts down a tree, living or dead.
Mr Hardman said wood would be of varying sizes and may not be the same quality as the firewood sold by a commercial cutter.
'You may need a wheelbarrow to transport wood to the vehicle as the vehicle cannot leave formed tracks,' he said.
Mr Hardman said people can collect up to 2 cubic metres per person per day and a maximum of 16 cubic metres per household per financial year.
'Most people do the right thing, collect wood that is already on the ground, take only what they need, and stick to limits and rules,' he said.
Authorised Officers patrol state forests and can issue fines of more than $814 to those caught breaking the firewood collection rules. If prosecuted in court more serious offending can result in maximum penalties of $10,175 and/or 12 months in prison. Authorised Officers can also seize chainsaws, trailers, vehicles, and equipment that’s used in the commission of offending.
Information and updates, including maps of collection areas, are available on: Find a firewood collection area. Maps are available online from 1 March, except for the Murray Goldfields District whose maps will be published on 1 April.
Community members can find out more about collecting firewood by calling 136 186. Suspected illegal firewood collection can be reported to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Financial assistance is available for people on low incomes who buy firewood: Energy concession and support.
Page last updated: 03/03/26