Autumn domestic firewood collection season will now start this Friday

Monday 4 March, 2013

The Autumn 2013 Firewood Collection Season will now begin this Friday (8/3/13) after significant fires were contained across Victoria and recent rainfall in parts of the state.

Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) Statewide Land and Fire Coordinator Rob Price said a combination of large going fires, dry conditions and a risk to public safety had contributed to a recent decision to delay the opening of the firewood season until 15 March, except for far East Gippsland.

“Since then all of the going fires have been contained and, combined with the rain, the conditions in our forests are now suitable for firewood collection to commence at the end of the week,” Mr Price said.

“We appreciate the patience of the community while DSE and Parks Victoria have been monitoring the fire risk in an effort to make sure firewood collection is conducted as safely as possible.”

“The public will be able to collect firewood from 8 March in designated domestic firewood collection areas across Victoria as they have been able to do in far East Gippsland since 1 March.”

DSE and Parks Victoria staff will be patrolling parks, forests and reserves to ensure people are doing the right thing.

Firewood collection is only permitted during designated times of the year and from designated firewood collection areas.

Typical on the spot fines are around $560. Offences that go to court may be liable for fines up to $7042, one year imprisonment or both.

For more information and updates visit www.dse.vic.gov.au/firewood or call the DSE Customer Service Centre on 136 186.