Firewood regulation

Rules for collecting firewood in Victoria.

We are responsible for regulating firewood collection.

Significant penalties apply for firewood theft from public land.

If you see an offence or misconduct, please contact our Customer Service Centre on 136 186 and follow prompts to speak to an operator or leave a message or email conservationregulator@delwp.vic.gov.au.

Why we regulate firewood collection

Making sure everyone follows firewood collection rules is important because illegal collection can negatively affect forest health, wildlife habitat and public safety.

Uncontrolled firewood collection can lead to the loss of important habitat such as hollow logs and dead trees.

Habitat loss can have a serious impact on iconic native species that rely on our forests to survive, such as the powerful owl, south-eastern red-tailed black cockatoo, greater glider, pygmy possum and many others.

It can also make firewood resources unsustainable, impacting regional communities who rely on firewood for energy during the colder months.

Citizens collecting firewood with officers

What does domestic use mean?

When we talk about domestic purposes we mean you can use it in your home, for example in a wood fire, a wood stove or a fire pit.

It’s illegal to sell firewood you collect from domestic firewood collection areas. It’s also illegal to use it in commercial business or enterprise.

What can I collect?

You can only collect trees or parts of trees that are already on the ground. Don’t cut down, break off or damage a standing tree or shrub, even if it’s dead.

Don’t collect trees that are clearly hollow or if more than half the tree is covered with moss or fungi. These trees are important for the life of the forest.

When you’re collecting firewood, it’s important that you:

  • Don’t take wood within 20m of any rivers, creeks, lakes or dams.
  • Protect native animals and plants, and respect cultural heritage sites.
  • Take any litter with you when you leave.

Are there rules or guidelines for using a chainsaw during firewood collection?

You should never use a chainsaw on a day of Total Fire Ban.

To avoid the risk of starting a fire, only use chainsaws fitted with a proper exhaust and spark arrester.

You should only refill chainsaw oil or fuel on a hard surface that the liquid cannot soak through. Don’t refill chainsaw oil or fuel on the ground.

What are the rules?

Updated