Victorians can prepare for next winter by collecting free firewood for personal use from state forest collection areas from now until November 30.
Victorians can collect firewood for domestic use now that collection areas reopened for spring on Monday September 1.
Firewood collection is only allowed from state forests during the firewood season from designated firewood collection areas.
Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) Gippsland Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Sam Quigley 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 type of vegetation 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 Quigley urged Victorians reliant on firewood for heating and cooking to plan their needs early.
“Maps are now online, so it’s a good time to organise your collection,” he said.
“If you are unable to collect firewood for domestic use, you can nominate someone to collect firewood on your behalf.”
Mr Quigley 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.
“For your own safety, please check the weather and conditions before you go, always be aware of your surroundings and take care when using chainsaws.”
The spring firewood collection season ends on Sunday, November 30.
Financial assistance is available for people on low incomes who buy firewood: www.ffm.vic.gov.au/firewood/energy-concession-and-support
