Visitors to parks and forests urged to take care in the heat

Saturday 5 January, 2013

Visitors to Victoria’s parks and forests are urged to take extra care during the current hot weather. 

Department of Sustainability and Environment’s (DSE) Chief Fire Officer Alan Goodwin said visitors to parks or forests need be prepared and take extra care over these holidays to ensure they don’t contribute to the risk of fire or put themselves in harms way. 

“With a Total Fire Ban in place we need everyone to make sure visitors obey the rules and don’t light campfires and open flame barbecues,” Mr Goodwin said. 

“All Victorians need to be aware of the risk of fire during summer and include bushfire survival plans as part of any holiday or travel in our parks and forests.” 

“Parks Victoria closes some parks depending on their level of risk to visitors.” 

“If you are intending to visit parks or state forests over the coming weeks please check the Parks Victoria or DSE websites before you leave.” 

“If you are visiting the bush it is important that you remain aware of what is going on around you by monitoring the weather and staying alert for any fires.” 

The Department of Health warns all Victorians that the forecast conditions can cause illnesses such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke -- which can be fatal. 

The most important things to remember are to keep cool, drink plenty of water, stay out of the sun and look after yourself and others -- especially the elderly and very young. For more information go to www.health.vic.gov.au 

Parks Victoria and the Department of Sustainability and Environment encourage visitors to contact their local offices or Visitor Information Centres to find out more information about conditions, access routes and tourism opportunities in lower risk areas. For further information on visiting and camping in Victoria's parks call the Parks Victoria Information Centre on 13 1963 or visit www.parks.vic.gov.au or contact DSE on 136 186 or go to www.dse.vic.gov.au