With devastating bushfires still raging in many parts of the country, authorities have once again emphasised the potential dangers posed by campfires at this time of the year.
According to Victoria’s Department of Sustainability and Environment, more than 50 fires have been started by unattended campfires over the holiday period. These preventable bushfires included a two-acre scrub and grass fire along the Campaspe River at Elmore that was started by an unattended campfire overnight on Monday, a total fire ban day.
Department of Sustainability and Environment commander David Nugent told the Bendigo Advertiser that campfires were not allowed on total fire ban days and anyone caught lighting one was putting themselves and the community at risk.
“This type of behaviour is unacceptable and dangerous to the community … people need to make sure they put campfires out properly,” Mr Nugent said. “Campfires can smoulder for weeks if they’re not extinguished properly and can then flare up on a hot, windy day.”
Mr Nugent said about 10% of fires in Victoria’s parks and forests were started by campfires.
“That’s 10% of bushfires that could have been prevented,” he said. “On a day of total fire ban, no fires are permitted in the open air and, even when there is not a total fire ban, campfires should never be left unattended and should be fully extinguished with water before leaving, until they are cool to touch.”
There are significant penalties for anyone leaving a campfire unattended or going on days of total fire ban.
How do you make sure your fires are totally extinguished? Have you seen grey nomads or others behaving irresponsibly with campfires? Comment below.
We pulled in off the road in NT for the night and started to organise our camp fire on a previously used spot. We nearly burnt ourselves as although there was no smoke and no outward signs of activity under the ash it was glowing hot. This was at 5 pm so the fire was either from someones breakfast or from the previous night. We are always extremely careful with our camp fire but this was a good reminder to make sure it’s really out before you leave your fire.