General News
3 September, 2024
Firewood hunters told to get on front foot
Householders can get onto the front foot and prepare early for next winter by collecting free firewood from approved state forest areas from September 1.
Domestic firewood in state forests is provided from fallen trees and forest management works to clean up after storms.
Its collection for personal use reduces bushfire risk and creates safe access to forests for visitors and emergency workers.
Acting team leader of values and assets planning Tim Mayr said the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) balanced allowing access to firewood with safety, forest values, biodiversity and cultural heritage.
“People can collect up to two cubic metres per person per day with a maximum of 16 cubic metres per household per financial year as long as they collect from designated firewood collection areas during a firewood season," Mr Mayr said.
Maps for this spring season’s designated collection areas will be live from midnight on Sunday September 1 at www.ffm.vic.gov.au/firewood.
“Demand for firewood is always high so we prioritise availability for local communities and those who depend on firewood as their primary source for heating and cooking," Mr Mayr said.
“It’s important Victorians plan their firewood needs early as it can take at least eight to 12 months for firewood collected during the collection season to be dry enough to burn safely and effectively.”
It’s illegal to collect wood outside designated areas or to chop down or damage any dead or standing trees.
It’s also an offence to take vehicles off formed roads to collect or load wood.
“Most people do the right thing by sticking to the collection limits and following the rules,” Mr Mayr said.
The Conservation Regulator and Parks Victoria are targeting the illegal harvesting of firewood from Victoria's forests, parks and reserves through Taskforce Ironbark.
Authorised officers are patrolling public land and can issue a fine of more than $750 to anybody caught breaking the rules.
Serious offences have a maximum penalty of $9879 and/or one year in prison.
Community members can help by reporting any suspected illegal firewood collection to 136 186.
This year's firewood-collecting season will run for three full calendar months, ending on November 30.