General News
6 March, 2026
Firewood collection areas now open
SOUTH west residents looking to increase their stockpiles of firewood can now head to designated Forest Park firewood collection areas.
From last Sunday, residents can collect free firewood for personal use from designated collection areas, however, some parts of the Otways may look different due to the impact of recent bushfires.
The autumn firewood season will end on June 30, 2026, with collectors reminded that individual collection areas may close earlier if there is no more firewood available.
Forest Fire Management Victoria’s website has published maps showing available collection areas.
These maps are updated throughout the season as collection areas open or close due to availability or access.
An interactive map includes details about vehicle access, while pdf maps include safety and other practical information.
Forest Fire Management Victoria director forest and fire operations Barwon South West, Scott Turner, said FFMVic was working to establish new firewood collection areas for fire-affected communities.
Mr Turner urged residents to collect wood safely.
“Please respect road closures that remain in place for your safety and the safety of firefighters,” he said.
“I encourage collectors to check daily fire conditions and road closures before travelling to collection areas and only drive on formed roads and tracks.
“Please wear the right safety clothing, only use equipment you’re trained in, including chainsaws, and be aware of the environment around you and the safety of yourself and others as trees may fall or drop limbs without warning.
“Within designated collection areas, collectors can collect and cut firewood that is on the ground due to natural fall or from forest and fire management works. Heavy penalties apply to anyone who cuts down a standing tree, living or dead.”
Mr Turner said firewood could vary in size and may not be the same quality as the firewood sold by a commercial cutter.
“A wheelbarrow may be needed to transport firewood to vehicles and trailers as these cannot leave tracks,” he said.
Mr Turner 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.
“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.
Authorised officers patrol state forests and can issue fines of more than $814 to those caught breaking the firewood collection rules.
If prosecuted in court more serious offending can result in maximum penalties of $10,175 and/or 12 months in prison.
Authorised officers can also seize chainsaws, trailers, vehicles, and equipment that’s used in the commission of offending.
Information and updates, including maps of collection areas, are available on www.ffm.vic.gov.au/firewood.
Maps are available online from March 1, except for the Murray Goldfields District, whose maps will be published on April 1.
Community members can find out more about collecting firewood by calling 136 186. Suspected illegal firewood collection can be reported to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
