The spring 2021 firewood collection season closed across Victoria at midnight on Tuesday, November 30.

"From December, 1 it is illegal to collect firewood from public land," Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) Deputy Chief Fire Officer for the Grampians region, Tony English said.

"Domestic firewood is a shared public resource that needs to be managed in a sustainable way into the future.

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"Under Victorian legislation, firewood can only be collected from designated firewood collection areas of State Forests during the firewood collection season which runs from March, 1 to June, 30 and 1 September, 1 to November, 30."

Mr English said fire prevention is also one of the key reasons collection season closes prior to December each year when the risk of bushfire is highest, while also allowing the public spaces to be used for a range of recreational purposes over summer.

"During the spring collection season, larger quantities of firewood were available at collection sites in the Wombat State Forest as a result of trees falling following the significant storm event in June," he said.

"Our crews will continue to manage the diverse values of the Wombat State Forest as part of our storm recovery efforts, including making firewood available during the autumn collection season next year."

Any information the community may have about the illegal removal of firewood for sale can be reported to DELWP on 136 186.

Under the Forest Act 1958, people caught breaking firewood collection rules can face penalties of up to $9,087 and/or up to a year in prison, if the matter is taken to court. Vehicles and equipment may also be seized.

For the full list of rules of firewood collection in state forests, go to ffm.vic.gov.au/firewood/firewood-collection-in-your-region

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