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    Police are warning that people who recklessly start fires can face the same consequences as people who deliberately light fires – and that 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.

Police: You light it, you own it

Police are warning that people who recklessly start fires can face the same consequences as people who deliberately light fires – and that 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.

Working under Operation Safeguard during the fire season, Victoria Police is reminding people to be aware of their personal responsibilities.

People found guilty of recklessly or intentionally lighting a fire – which includes from burning off, leaving campfires unattended, car exhausts and machinery, the use of tools such as angle grinders in the open, bonfires and flares, and farm machinery such as slashers and harvesters – can face a penalty of up to 15 years imprisonment.

Last bushfire season, to the end of June 2024, there were 45 offences relating to causing a bushfire, with 21 of those due to reckless behaviour.



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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

The entire January 22, 2025 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!