As the weather warms up and the risk of fire increases, Victoria Police is urging people to ensure they are aware of their personal responsibility and accountability when it comes to fires this summer.
With people now dusting off the BBQ, heading out to a campsite or using machinery during warm weather, there is potential for reckless fire behaviour to have catastrophic consequences.
Detective Inspector Chris Murray, of the Arson and Explosives Squad, has stated that during the fire season, Victoria Police implements Operation Safeguard so that police are ready to respond to the threat of fire.
“Victoria is one of the most fire-prone areas in the world and we have a long and tragic history with bushfires,” Det. Insp. Murray said.
Operation Safeguard aims to prevent or reduce the impact of intentional and recklessly lit fires across Victoria, and involves preparedness arrangements and deployment plans for periods of heightened risk during the fire season.
Detectives from the Arson and Explosives Squad work closely with the 277 Arson and Explosive Liaison Officers (AELOs) across Victoria who use their local knowledge to prevent, detect and respond to fires.
“There are so many things that the community can do to ensure the risk of bushfire is reduced this summer and the key one for us is taking personal responsibility for any fires you light or activities you undertake that could lead to a fire starting,” Det. Insp. Murray said.
This year, police are particularly reminding the community that they need to be aware of their responsibility and the possible life-threatening ramifications of reckless behaviour.
A fire started through reckless behaviour can have the same outcomes as a deliberately lit fire including significant loss of life, serious injury, property damage and more.
Traditionally only a small number of overall fire-related offences each summer are arson however recklessly lit fires continue to be a concerning issue across Victoria.
Last bushfire season (year end June 2024), there were 45 offences relating to causing a bushfire – 21 of these were due to reckless behaviour.
The most common causes of recklessly lit fires are:
• disobeying restrictions relating to Total Fire Bans or fire danger periods;
• burning off;
• leaving campfires unattended;
• car exhausts and machinery;
• use of tools such as angle grinders and welding equipment out in the open
• bonfires and flares and
• farming machinery such as slashers and harvesters.
Some examples of recklessly lit fires with significant consequences include:
• A fire recklessly lit at a campsite in Robinvale in December 2020 on a total fire ban day, which led to the damage of local properties and several other campers having to be evacuated
• A significant bushfire started in Aberfeldy in 2013 where a man commenced burning off at a rural property on a total fire ban day, which led to a person being killed and 20 houses being destroyed in the Seaton area
Police will investigate and take action to catch those responsible when a fire is deemed suspicious, whether it was a deliberate or reckless action.
“Check the rules and the forecast in your local area and adjust your behaviour accordingly. Once a fire starts it can be impossible to control or suppress, and can get away from you very, very quickly,” Det. Insp. Murray said.
Anyone found guilty of recklessly or intentionally causing a bushfire faces a penalty of up to 15 years imprisonment.
Lighting a fire on a Total Fire Ban day can attract a fine of up to $46,000 or up to two years in jail.
The community plays an incredibly important role in the prevention of bushfires and remains key in reporting reckless or suspicious behaviour.
Police are keen to speak to anyone who witnesses concerning behaviour concerning fires or anyone who has been told about this behaviour taking place.
This information could prove crucial in preventing a bushfire.
“I urge everyone this fire season to be aware of their responsibilities and work with us to stop any further tragedies occurring,” Det. Insp. Murray said.
Operation Safeguard runs until March 2025.
Further information about bushfire arson and reckless fires is also available on the Victoria Police website: Bushfire arson (police.vic.gov.au)
Anyone who witnesses suspicious or reckless behaviour as it is occurring should call Triple Zero (000) and anyone with other information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppers.com.au.
