Designated firewood collection areas in Victorian state forests opened on 1 September, but all 44 firewood collection sites in the Ovens District remain temporarily closed due to the Victoria Police operation and current VicEmergency Advice.
The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) said the collection sites will reopen when the situation changes.
You can find your local collection area and information about collecting firewood online at: www.ffm.vic.gov.au/firewood/firewood-collection-in-your-region
The interactive maps includes details about vehicle access, while pdf maps include safety and other practical information.
The 2025 spring firewood collection season runs until Sunday, 30 November, and allows people to collect firewood for domestic use from designated areas in state parks.
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DEECA director of forest and fire operations, Aaron Kennedy, said spring is an ideal time to collect your firewood.
“Depending on the type of vegetation and level of dryness when cut, most wood takes longer than 12 months to dry,” he said.
“Ideally people should plan their firewood needs two years in advance.”
Mr Kennedy said people could only collect a limit of two cubic metres per person per day and a maximum of 16 cubic metres per household per financial year.
“If you are unable to collect firewood for domestic use, you can nominate someone to collect firewood on your behalf,” he said.
“Most people do the right thing, collect wood that is already on the ground, take only what they need and stick to limits and rules,” he said.
Community members can find out more about collecting firewood and report any suspected illegal firewood collection by calling 136 186.
