As the King’s Birthday long weekend approaches, many Australians are dusting off their tents, packing the car and heading for the great outdoors.
There is nothing quite like a few nights under the stars, a crackling campfire and the promise of toasted marshmallows to bring families together.
But before you zip up your sleeping bag and settle in, there is an urgent warning you need to hear—one that could save lives, protect our precious bushland and keep your holiday from turning into a disaster.
Winter doesn’t mean fire-free
It is easy to assume that with the arrival of winter, the risk of bushfires has faded into the background. After all, is not fire season a summer problem? Not so fast.
Authorities in Victoria are sounding the alarm—even in cooler weather, many parks and forests remain dangerously dry, thanks to a warmer and drier-than-average autumn.
In fact, parts of western, southwestern and southeastern Victoria are facing a higher fire risk than usual for this time of year.
Forest Fire Management Victoria’s chief fire officer, Chris Hardman, has issued a stark reminder: ‘Even at this time of year, just one unattended or poorly managed campfire can cause serious damage to the environment and put lives and property at risk.’
The numbers back him up—this season alone, authorities have responded to more than 370 incidents involving campfires.
One illegal campfire at Boroka Lookout even sparked a bushfire in the Grampians National Park, tying up vital resources and putting lives in danger.
‘With a little extra care around your campfire this long weekend, we can keep forests and parks healthy and safe for everyone to enjoy.’
Campfire safety: The rules you can’t ignore
So, what can you do to keep your family—and our forests—safe this long weekend? Here are the golden rules every camper should follow:
- Never leave a campfire unattended. Even a few minutes away can be enough for disaster to strike.
- Always use water to extinguish your fire. Do not rely on dirt or sand—embers can smoulder beneath the surface and reignite days later.
- If it is cool to touch, it is safe to leave. Before you walk away, make sure the ashes are completely cold.
- Build your fire safely. Use a purpose-built fireplace or dig a hole at least 30cm deep. Clear a 3-metre radius around the fire of anything flammable—leaves, tents, clothing and so on.
- Keep it small. Your fire and any logs should be under 1 metre across.
- If it is hot and windy, reconsider lighting a fire at all. Sometimes, the safest option is to skip the campfire altogether.
- No fires on Total Fire Ban days. This is non-negotiable. Lighting a fire on these days can land you with a fine of up to $47,421.60 and even two years in jail.
Rangers are watching—and so are the fines
If you think you can sneak in a cheeky campfire where you should not, think again.
Rangers will be out in force this long weekend, patrolling parks and forests for illegal fires and rule-breakers.
The penalties are nothing to sneeze at: up to $19,759 if you are caught breaking the rules, and much more if you light a fire on a Total Fire Ban day.
Video Credit: VicEmergency / Facebook
Share your camping wisdom
Whether you’re planning a peaceful weekend under the stars or simply taking time out with family and friends, it’s important to stay informed about current safety conditions and regulations.
Authorities are urging caution to help protect lives, properties, and the natural environment during the King’s Birthday long weekend.
Stay safe, enjoy the great outdoors and remember: a little extra care around the campfire goes a long way. Happy camping!
Have you ever had a close call with a campfire? Or do you have tips for keeping your campsite safe and enjoyable? We would love to hear your stories and advice—share your thoughts in the comments below and help keep our camping community safe this long weekend.
Also read: What did this camper find near their tent? Here’s how to stay safe outdoors
