By Jed Lanyon
The 2019 Autumn Firewood Collection Season opens this week in Yarra Ranges and surrounding areas on Friday 1 March and closes on Sunday 30 June.
Port Phillip Region Assistant Chief Fire Officer Chris Eagle said, “It’s important that people only collect firewood from designated firewood collection areas on public land and stay within collection limits.
“Interactive maps showing where you can collect domestic firewood from will go live from 1 March when the season gets underway,” Mr Eagle said.
“These areas are within the firewood maps available on our website. If you would like more information regarding the location of these areas you can contact the Powelltown Department of Environment, Land Water and Planning office on (03) 5965 9901.
“Designated collection areas are put in place to protect sites of cultural and environmental significance.
“The felling of any trees for firewood is strictly prohibited. Authorised officers will be patrolling state forests to ensure people are doing the right thing while collecting their firewood,” Mr Eagle said.
“We’re reminding people to stay within collection limits, which are a maximum of two cubic metres per person per day and a maximum of 16 cubic metres per household per financial year.
“Some households rely solely on domestic firewood for heat during winter, so it’s important to consider others when collecting firewood from state forests.
“Be sure to check local weather and forest conditions before heading out to make sure it’s safe before collecting firewood in your area,” Mr Eagle said.
Under the Forest Act 1958, people who collect firewood outside designated firewood collection areas or a firewood collection season or take more than the maximum allowable amounts can face fines of up to $8,059, or a maximum penalty of one year imprisonment or both.
