Supporting responsible use of campfires in Victorian State Forests
Campfires are an integral part of outdoor recreation in Victorian State Forests. Managing campfires safely is crucial for public safety, reducing bushfire risks, and protecting nature.
This project sought to:
- Explore where visitors access information about safe campfire management in state forests, and how they interpret and apply this information.
- Understand how visitors currently use and manage campfires in practice, including the steps they take and challenges they encounter when supervising and extinguishing them safely.
- Identify practical strategies to support and encourage safe campfire management among visitors.
What did we do?
In partnership with The LOTE Agency, we held a series of focus groups with a range of community members with varied backgrounds, cultures, and experiences to understand the challenge from their perspective. During these sessions, we explored current practice, challenges, and preferences for information and other support. We then interpreted these insights through a behavioural science lens — specifically using the COM-B framework — to help identify the types of initiatives that could support change.
What did we find?
- Most visitors appear motivated to use campfires safely and are at least trying to follow safe practice. However, notable gaps in knowledge and skills create risks.
- While visitors want to comply with fire safety guidelines, difficulty accessing clear, consistent information creates barriers to responsible practice.
- Visitors generally acknowledge the importance of fire safety, yet social and situational factors influence their decision-making in ways that contribute to unsafe practices.
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