Suspicious fires are a constant issue for the Victoria Police Arson and Explosives Squad which responds to and investigate instances involving arson across the state.
A suspicious fire, whether recklessly or deliberately lit, can have devastating consequences at any time of year.
Add to this extreme heat, strong winds and dry conditions that Victoria is prone to over the summer months and you have a recipe for disaster.
The 2013-14 fire season was the most severe since 2009 with more than 4600 grass and bushland fires, 19 days of Extreme Fire Danger and 16 days of Total Fire Ban.
But even though conditions were some of the worst seen in recent years, Victoria Police responded to 62 intentionally lit bushfires, which was 19 more than the previous fire season.
Victoria Police adopts a ‘zero tolerance’ approach to bushfire arson. (PULL OUT QUOTE)
Deputy Commissioner Tim Cartwright said Victoria Police would adopt a zero tolerance approach to bushfire arson.
“Any person responsible for starting an uncontrolled open air fire, no matter how small or large, will face the maximum penalty,” he said.
Operation Firesetter – a dedicated bushfire arson prevention and detection operation – will again be activated this season focused on high-risk bushfire arson locations and times.
“We’ll be monitoring persons of interest with the aim to reduce the occurrence and impact of suspicious activity during the high-risk period,” he said.
“Arson causes around 50 per cent of bushfires, while the other major causes include lightning strikes and reckless behaviour.
“It’s not just arsonists who need to be aware – its campers, families and anyone who uses a live flame in the outdoors.
“Recklessness can be a range of things such as failing to properly extinguish a campfire, flicking a cigarette butt, or using tools such as angle grinders on a day of total fire ban.
“The reality is that recklessly lit fires, just like deliberately lit fires, have the very real potential to damage property, to injure and to kill.”
Under the Country Fire Authority Act it is an offence to light a fire during a fire danger period without a permit or complying with the designated restrictions surrounding the use of equipment that can cause fires.
“If you’re found responsible for a fire that leads to bushfire, you can face penalties of between $17,000 and $35,000 and two years’ jail,” he said.
“Bushfire prevention is the responsibility of all Victorians – including those who live, work and travel through the state.
“We want the community to be alert, be aware and be responsible for their actions this fire season.
“If you see something suspicious, please report it to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or triple zero (000).”
