DSE State Duty Officer Dennis Ward said most campfire-related incidents occurred because people either left campfires unattended or did not properly extinguish them. "Embers and sparks from campfires can start fires a long distance away from the original site or if it hasn't been properly extinguished, campfires can smoulder for weeks and flare up when the weather conditions change," Mr Ward said.

DSE attends more than 600 fires on average each year. While lightning can cause up to one quarter of bushfires, people are largely responsible for the remaining three-quarters. Of these, DSE attends about 100 cases of unattended campfires in our parks and forests each year.

"If people choose to have a campfire over the Australia Day long weekend, I urge them to be responsible and vigilant with their campfires and to reduce the risk of causing a bushfire by having an adult present at the site at all times and extinguishing the campfire using water, not dirt," Mr Ward said. Mr Ward reminded campers and visitors to parks and forests that on days of Total Fire Ban it is prohibited to light a campfire in the open air.

"People need to make sure they are aware of any fire restrictions in the areas they are visiting and to adhere to the regulations," Mr Ward said. "If you do have a campfire, you are responsible for ensuring that it is safe to light, does not escape and is completely extinguished."

If you choose to have a campfire, remember:

• Campfires are prohibited on days of Total Fire Ban and are not permitted in most parks - it is up to you to check restrictions before lighting a campfire.
• If you are unsure of restrictions, do not light a campfire.
• Where permitted, you should light a campfire in a properly constructed fireplace and an adult must attend the fire at all times.
• The area within a distance of three metres around and above your campfire must be clear of flammable
  materials to reduce the chance of your campfire escaping.
• If the wind is strong enough to carry embers or sparks, don’t use a campfire.
• Keep your campfire small; no larger than one square metre in size.
• Make sure you completely extinguish your campfire - use water, not dirt.
• You must never leave a campfire unattended, even if it is only to go for a short walk.
• Be bushfire smart

For further information on fire prevention and campfire safety, visit www.fireready.vic.gov.au, or phone the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667.