The majority of fires in forest areas in the Otways have been caused by people camping in the area, according to Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning regional fire and land manager Andrew Morrow said.

“In the last financial year, 167 fires across the state were started by a campfire or barbecue,” Mr Morrow explained.

“We have already had 30 fires in forest areas of the Otways since Christmas and 19 of these were non-compliant campfires,” Mr Morrow said.

“A high number of campfire issues were detected by officers on patrol over the recent summer holiday period and infringement notices totalling about $9000 in fines issued to campers. Any increase in campfire offences is a worrying trend. We all need to reduce the risk of campfires from becoming a potential bushfire disaster in our region,” he said

“This Australia Day, play it safe and put out your campfire before leaving the area. It only takes one unattended campfire to go bush and it can quickly endanger lives, livelihood and property.”