You wouldnt believe it but some campers along the River Murray are still lighting illegal campfires on Total Fire Ban days. They are putting themselves and others in serious danger. DELWPs Mallee Fire District Manager Phil Murdoch said officers from the department patrolled 100 locations along the River Murray last week and were shocked to find people breaking the law. It beggars belief that some people think it is okay to light a campfire in summer on a day of Total Fire Ban,” Mr Murdoch said. “Last Friday and Saturday (2- 3 January) were days of Total Fire Bans but DELWP officers found two campfires alight, one on the Merbein Common and one at Lamberts Island. Some people still believe they can light a fire for cooking and for warmth purposes regardless of any declarations. “The potential for campfires and barbecues to escape into the bush on days of Total Fire Ban is a real concern. Campfires are not allowed under any circumstances on a day of Total Fire Ban and it is your responsibility to check if any declarations are in place before you light one. “DELWP officers have interviewed several people in relation to detected offences under section 40 of the Country Fire Authority Act 1958. “Hot-spots for unattended campfires include popular camping and recreational areas along the Murray downstream of Lock 11 and upstream of the Chaffey Bridge at Mildura, Mr Bates said. The image (pictured) shows the remains of a bushfire at Knights Bend near Robinvale that was the result of an unattended campfire in September 2014. Together with Victoria Police, fire agencies will continue to take a zero-tolerance approach to anyone who is found to have placed the community at risk through deliberately lighting fires on a Total Fire Ban day. “Co-ordinated compliance activities will be held on Total Fire Ban days and public holidays during the holiday period. “Last year on the Australia Day long weekend a number of people received infringement notices for a variety of offences related to campfire regulations under the Forests Act and National Parks Act. “Penalties for lighting fires illegally include large fines and possible imprisonment. Information on when and how to construct a campfire on public land can be found at: depi.vic.gov.au/fire-and-emergencies/public-land-fire-restrictions/campfires-and-barbeques
Posted on: Wed, 07 Jan 2015 03:38:37 +0000
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