A NEW survey has revealed disturbing statistics on campfire safety.
The alarming findings came during one of Victoria's peak times for camping
and as the State ‒ one of the most fire-prone
areas in the world ‒ experienced a period of
high temperatures.
Park Rangers are concerned after the survey showed that an incredible
three quarters of campers had no idea how to correctly extinguish a
campfire.
When presented with two options, only 26 percent of people correctly
identified that water should be poured onto a campfire.
The remaining 74 percent thought a fire should be extinguished by covering
it with soil or sand.
Campfires must always be fully extinguished with water, not soil, and must
be cool to touch before being safe to leave.
With around 10 percent of bushfires caused by campfire negligence, rangers
have been out-and-about reminding people of fire regulations and to be
aware of the very dry conditions.
The survey also revealed half of respondents were unaware that campfires
can only be lit where designated fireplaces are provided.
"These survey findings are worrying, particularly given the number of
people camping in Victoria during summer," director of Fire and Emergency
Services–Parks Victoria David Nugent said.
"Once you light a campfire, you're legally responsible for ensuring that
it is safe, does not escape and is completely extinguished before you
leave," he added.
