Local authorities are reminding campers and day visitors to take their rubbish with them and dispose of it correctly or face big penalties.
Campers and day-trippers visiting forests and parks over the summer holidays need to protect themselves and the environment by knowing the rules around campfires, rubbish, four-wheel driving and trail bike riding.
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About 10 per cent of bushfires in Victoria are caused by illegal campfires or unattended campfires.
During the 2023/24 financial year, 726 unattended campfires and barbeques on public land were reported to Parks Victoria and during the peak summer season authorities will be increasing patrols in parks, reserves and forests.
Chief conservation regulator Kate Gavens said it was vital to know the rules and be up to date on weather conditions before lighting any fire.
“Your fire is your responsibility,” Ms Gavens said.
Never leave a campfire unattended and use water, not soil, to completely extinguish the campfire before leaving.
To be fire safe, check weather conditions and warnings on the Vic Emergency website or app before lighting a campfire and never light a campfire on a day of Total Fire Ban.
Bring a bucket, and if there is no water available, make sure to bring enough with you, as it can take at least three full buckets of water to extinguish a campfire.
In state forests, use a purpose-built fireplace or light a campfire in a trench at least 30cm deep.
Branches and logs on a campfire must be less than one metre long. Never leave a campfire unattended and use water, not soil, to completely extinguish the campfire before leaving.
Four-wheel drives and trail-bikes need to stick to roads and tracks in parks, forests and reserves open to the public.
Visitors to state forests must also take out anything they bring in, including rubbish.
The Yarrawonga Transfer station is open every day.
Illegal dumping of rubbish can be reported at the EPA litter 24hr hotline on 1300 372 842.
