VICTORIANS can now collect firewood for domestic use, with collection areas reopening for Spring, yesterday.


Firewood collection is only allowed during the firewood seasons from designated firewood collection areas in state forests and some forest parks.


Forest Fire Management Victoria Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Scott Turner encouraged people to get their wood now ready for Winter 2026.


“Spring is an ideal time to collect your firewood,” he said.


“Depending on the species and level of dryness when cut, most wood takes longer than 12 months to dry.


“Ideally people should plan their firewood needs two years in advance.”


Mr Turner urged Victorians reliant on firewood for heating and cooking, to plan their needs early.


“There are seven collection firewood areas in the Otways and nine in the Far South West,” he said.


“Maps are now online, so it’s a good time to organise your collection.


“If you are unable to collect firewood for domestic use, you can nominate someone to collect firewood on your behalf.”


Mr Turner said firewood collection area maps, along with the rules, could be found on the FFMVic website.


He reminded people to only collect a limit of two cubic metres per person per day and a maximum of 16 cubic metres per household per financial year.


“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.


Mr Turner also encouraged collectors to have a safe day out.


“Check the weather and conditions before you go, always be aware of your surroundings and take care when using your chainsaws,” he said.


The Spring firewood collection season ends on Sunday, 30 November.


Regional State Forest maps show firewood collection areas and information specific to your region and residents can download and print an updated map of where firewood can be collected in your area.


Things to note about firewood collection season:


There is no guarantee that firewood will be available for collection in the domestic firewood collection area after it has been opened.


New firewood collection areas may also open throughout the season.


Some firewood collection areas may close at short notice due to a planned burning activity.


Most people follow the rules and do the right thing by our environment, there are penalties for those who do not.


Do not enter the forest on days of Catastrophic fire rating. If there is a high fire danger risk, the firewood collection season may be shortened to reduce risk.


Financial assistance is available for people on low incomes who buy firewood; information can also be found on the FFMVic website: www.ffm.vic.gov.au.