By Victoria Stone-Meadows
PARKS Victoria Rangers have caught people in the Dandenong Ranges National Park despite the park being closed to the public due to fire risk levels.
People were moved out of the park by rangers on Wednesday, 13 January, where they were climbing the 1000 Steps Kokoda Memorial Walk despite the 41 degree maximum forecast temperature.
Parks Victoria is reminding people that some national parks will close on days where the fire danger rating is “severe” or above and people should not be in the parks on those days.
Parks Victoria’s Area Chief Ranger Dandenong and Yarra Ranges Matt Hoogland said while a majority of people stayed out of the parks, there was some who ignored the danger.
“Bushfire safety is a serious issue, which is why we close the Dandenong Ranges National Park when it is not a safe place to be,” he said.
“We had rangers at the 1000 Steps this morning conducting patrols; they found about 50 cars parked outside the park, and there were a number of people using the 1000 Steps early this morning.
“Our rangers took an educational approach and spoke to the visitors about why the park was closed.”
Between 50 and 100 people were instructed by rangers to vacate the park between 8am and Midday on Wednesday 13 January with regular patrols being conducted until twilight.
Ranger Hoogland said bushfire safety is an individual responsibility and people need to be aware that parks are closed for a good reason when weather conditions can lead to bushfires.
“We urge people to act responsibly and safely and stay out of the park when it is closed,” he said.
“If there was a fire, people who ignore the park closure are putting their own life at risk, and also the lives of our firefighters and the Dandenong Ranges community.”
To find out what parks are affected by closures during fire danger periods, check the ‘Fire Affected Park List’ on the Parks Victoria website at www.parkweb.vic.gov.au or contact the Parks Victoria Information Centre on 13 19 63.
