- Published:
- Tuesday 1 February 2022 at 3:59 pm
Conservation Regulator Authorised Officers discovered the campfire while on patrol in the Nunniong Plain Natural Features and Scenic Reserve, near Omeo.
The man allegedly maintained the campfire from the previous day and didn’t check official channels to make sure he was aware of the declared day of Total Fire Ban.
The Conservation Regulator charged the man for one offence under the Country Fire Authority Act 1958.
He is due to face the Bairnsdale Magistrates’ Court this week.
The maximum penalty for lighting or maintaining a fire on a declared day of Total Fire Ban in Victoria is $43,617 and/or two years in prison.
Before lighting a campfire, it’s up to you to find out if a Total Fire Ban is in place – this can be done by visiting the VicEmergency website, checking the VicEmergency App or calling the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.
Unattended campfires should be reported to 136 186 or call 000 to report a bushfire.
For more information about campfires state forests, visit Campfire Rules.
The Conservation Regulator takes these matters very seriously - the devastating impacts of bushfires caused by illegal campfires can put lives and homes at risk.
Days of Total Fire Ban are declared to protect the community and we take a zero-tolerance approach to anyone putting people at risk by lighting or maintaining a fire on these days.
People who use our public land need to understand the rules and know what they can and can’t do on elevated fire risk days. Everyone has a responsibility to keep our forest and community safe.
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