Gippslanders can collect free firewood for personal use from state forest firewood collection areas until November 30.

Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) Gippsland Deputy Chief Fire Officer Sam Quigley said firewood collection is only allowed in designated firewood collection areas during a firewood season.

Mr Quigley urged firewood users to play it safe and check local weather conditions as well as their planned route before heading into the forest.

“Coming out of winter, access to some firewood collection areas might be restricted until tracks dry out and conditions are safe,” he said.

“Please be aware of the environment around you at all times and safety of yourself and others when in state forests as trees may fall or drop limbs without warning.”

Mr Quigley said people could collect up to two cubic metres per person per day with a maximum of 16 cubic metres per household per financial year, and encouraged people who rely on firewood for heating and cooking to plan their needs early.

“Firewood collected during the spring and autumn seasons needs at least 8-12 months to cure and be dry before use.

“We prioritise firewood availability for local communities and those who depend on firewood as their primary source of heating and cooking.”

Financial assistance is available for people on low incomes who buy firewood: www.ffm.vic.gov.au/firewood/energy-concession-and-support.

Find your local collection area here: www.ffm.vic.gov.au/firewood or contact your local Department of Energy Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) office.

“Most people do the right thing and stick to the collection limits, but people should know authorised officers will be patrolling parks, forests and reserves to catch those who aren’t,” Mr Quigley said.

Officers can issue on-the-spot fines of $769 to those caught breaking the rules, and serious offences have a maximum penalty of $9615 and/or one year in prison.

Community members can help by reporting any suspected illegal firewood collection on 136 186.

The spring collection season runs until November 30.