Arson and Explosives Squad detective inspector Chris Murray said people should check the rules and forecast in their local area and adjust their behaviour accordingly.
“The message from us is clear – you light it, you own it,” he said.
“We will be holding every single person to account for recklessly lighting fires.
“Victoria is one of the most fire-prone areas in the world and we have a long and tragic history with bushfires.
“There are so many things the community can do to ensure the risk of bushfire is reduced this summer – complacency or ignorance could quite literally kill you and lead to significant loss of life and property.”
The Conservation Regulator, Parks Victoria, and Forest Fire Management Victoria are reminding campers to act responsibly – a total of 726 unattended campfires and barbecues were detected by the groups’ field staff on public land in the past financial year.
During the Labour Day long weekend, authorised officers patrolled campsites statewide and found more than 40 campfires still alight during a day of total fire ban.
Forest Fire Management Victoria chief fire officer Chris Hardman said people should follow the rules of the national parks, including fire placement, size and extinguishment.
“Never leave a campfire unattended and always put a campfire out with water,” he said.
“Many people try to put out campfires incorrectly with soil, or not enough water to extinguish them completely. Fires that haven’t been properly extinguished can smoulder under soil for days and reignite in the right conditions.
“If the ashes are cool to touch – it’s safe to leave. It only takes one stray ember to cause a destructive fire.”
Unattended campfires can be reported by calling 136 186.
Operation Safeguard will run until March 2025.
Police are keen to speak to anyone who witnesses concerning behaviour in relation to fires, or anyone who has been told about this behaviour taking place.
Anyone who witnesses suspicious or reckless behaviour as it is occurring should call triple zero and anyone with other information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppers.com.au.
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