Community members will be able to find resources to keep warm as the weather cools down, with the autumn firewood collection season now open.
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The season will remain open until June 30, with people only permitted to collect firewood from designated firewood collection areas on public land and stay within collection limits.
"Interactive maps showing where you can collect domestic firewood are live," Grampians region assistant chief fire officer Tony English said.
"Designated collection areas are put in place to protect sites of cultural and environmental significance.
"The felling of any trees for firewood is strictly prohibited. Authorised officers will be patrolling parks, forests and reserves to ensure people are doing the right thing while collecting their firewood."
A maximum of two cubic metres per person, per day and a maximum of 16 cubic metres per household, per financial year is allowed.
People who collect firewood outside designated firewood collection areas or a firewood collection season or take more than the maximum allowable amounts can face fines of more than $7900 or a maximum penalty of one-year imprisonment or both.
"Some households rely on domestic firewood for winter energy, so it's important to consider others when collecting firewood from state forests," Mr English said.
"Be sure to check local weather and forest conditions before heading out to make sure it's safe before collecting firewood in your area.
"Some collection sites may be part of the autumn planned burning program, so it's a good idea to check where burns are happening as these areas may be closed at short notice."
More information including rules, updates and interactive maps showing designated collection areas is available at www.ffm.vic.gov.au/firewood
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