SOME of the most problematic bushfires this season will be caused by ordinary people going about their business according to the Victoria Police Arson and Explosives Squad.
Activities such as angle-grinding, operating farming machinery, disposing of cigarette butts and leaving campfires unattended have the potential to become out of control fires that destroy lives and communities.
Detective Inspector Michael Roberts said many people don’t realise that during high fire danger periods these activities could easily spark a fire.
“These activities can be considered criminal offences, which we take very seriously, and carry severe penalties,” he said.
“The reality is that a fire, whether recklessly or accidentally lit, has the very real potential to damage property, to injure and to kill.
“This season we’re asking people to be mindful of the consequences of their actions.
“For example, re-think the need to operate machinery on a high fire danger day, dispose of cigarettes appropriately and in a safe manner, and extinguish your campfire properly if leaving the campsite.
“Know the restrictions and be accountable for them.
“You don’t want your actions resulting in homes destroyed or lives lost.”
Last year police charged 39 people for deliberately lighting a bushfire. The number of people charged has been increasing over the past three years.
Seven people were also charged for recklessly causing a bushfire.
“It’s a combination of better police investigation and a zero tolerance approach,” Insp Roberts said.
“The charge for recklessly or intentionally causing a bushfire is up to 15 years’ imprisonment while lighting a fire on a Total Fire Ban day carries a penalty of $35,000 and up to two years’ jail.”
Police have reactivated Operation Firesetter – a detection and prevention operation which is 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,” Insp Roberts said.
“But we’re asking the community for help.
“People who commit bushfire arson are not always strangers, they often live and work in local communities.
“If you see smoke or fire, call triple zero (000). If you see something suspicious or know something, report it to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000,” he said.
