Be a good egg in forests this Easter Long Weekend

 Campers being urged to take extra care this Easter long weekend - the country side is very dry.

Act sensibly .

The Conservation Regulator is reminding all Victorians that they are responsible for protecting the environment and preventing bushfires, following some poor camper behaviour on the Labour Day long weekend where more than 60 illegal campfires were lit during dangerous conditions.

Follow the relevant laws and check weather forecasts and fire warnings before leaving home.

Remember these tips while hatching Easter plans:

• Campfire? Check conditions, build it safely and fully egg-stinguish with water before leaving.

• Driving? Use formed, open roads for egg-sploring and have the right licence and registration.

• Prospecting? Have a permit and stay in the right areas to egg-stract gems lawfully.

• Rubbish? Take it home – we eggs-pect clean campsites and picnic areas.

This advice also applies to any Victorians using the four-day weekend to stock up on firewood. Designated collection areas in state forests are open until 30 June, but rules apply and firewood collectors should follow safety advice to avoid breaking the law or inadvertently sparking a fire.

 This year, we have recorded approximately 200 unattended campfires across forests, parks, and reserves, and issued more than 65 infringement notices for campfire, off-road, and littering offences.

 Given Victoria’s recent record-breaking heat and dangerous fire days, bushfire risk remains high and Authorised Officers will be on patrol over the weekend, enforcing campfire safety rules. Officers will also be targeting illegal off-road activity and littering to prevent environmental harm, and anyone caught doing the wrong thing faces fines ranging between $192 and $46,154.

 The community is encouraged to report any illegal behaviour on public land to 136 186. Bushfires should be reported to 000.