Forest Fire Management Victoria reminds firewood collectors the autumn domestic firewood collection season will end state-wide on Friday 30 June.
Forest Fire Management Victoria spokesperson, Peter Kambouris, said people needed to be mindful of the deadline.
“If people are intending to stock up on firewood for the coming winter, then they need to do so before the season closes next week,” he said.
“Make sure firewood collection is carried out only from designated collection areas that are open,” Mr Kambouris said.
If residents need help locating domestic firewood designated collection areas, the Forest Fire Management Victoria website has maps of all sites available at https://www.ffm.vic.gov.au/firewood/firewood-collection-in-your-region .
Under the Forest Act 1958, people who collect firewood outside designated firewood collection areas or a firewood collection season, take more than the maximum allowable amounts or sell firewood they have collected can face on the spot fines of $607, or a maximum penalty in court of one year imprisonment or a $7,583.50 fine, or both.
Any information the community may have about the illegal removal of firewood for sale can be reported to the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning on 136 186 and quote ‘Operation Block Splitter’.
The spring firewood collection season will open on 1 September.
