Causing some 10 per cent of all Victoria's bushfires, Forest Fire Management Victoria is urging the region's campers to take care with campfires this summer and follow the rules to avoid further adding to that statistic.
Fires in Euroa, Echuca and Barmah have also been among those 30, and FFMVic Hume deputy chief fire officer Aaron Kennedy said knowing the rules would be vital to keeping safe.
“We want people to get out there and enjoy themselves but to make campfire safety a priority for their trip by knowing what they can and can’t do,” Mr Kennedy said.
“Unattended and unsafe campfires can result in devastating consequences — the risk is real, and all campers have a responsibility to know and abide by campfire rules.
“Ignorance is not an excuse when it comes to lighting fires on days of Total Fire Ban. Everyone needs to take responsibility to keep the community safe from bushfires.”
Campers are reminded to not light fires on Total Fire Ban days, and to check that fact on the VicEmergency website, app or hotline (1800 226 226) before lighting one.
Other vital rules include using a purpose-built fireplace or a 30 cm-plus deep hole when lighting a campfire in a state forest, and only a purpose-built fireplace in a national or state park — and campfires must never be left unattended.
They also must be extinguished with water and not soil, and should not be left unattended until they are cool to touch.
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