THE spring 2017 firewood collection season will close in Victoria tomorrow.
Forest Fire Management Victoria forest management team leader Simon White said all designated firewood collection areas would be closed over the summer period from December 1.
“It will be illegal for people to collect firewood on public land until the start of the autumn firewood collection season,” Mr White said.
“Firewood collection may already have ceased in some parts of the state where supplies are exhausted or where rainfall or flooding has affected track conditions, making collection unsafe.
“The public will be able to start collecting firewood again from designated firewood collection areas from March, pending suitable conditions.”
Mr White said the team was collecting information to help with management and encouraged people to have a say by completing a survey at www.ffm.vic.gov.au/firewood before November 30.
Forest Fire Management Victoria staff will patrol parks, forests and reserves.
Firewood collection is only permitted during designated times of the year and from designated collection areas.
Typical on-the-spot fines are around $634 and a person may be liable for fines of up to $7926, one year imprisonment or both for offences that go to court.
To find your nearest firewood collection area or for more information and updates visit www.ffm.vic.gov.au/firewood or your nearest DELWP office.
