Yarra River Warrandyte: Police to patrol fire-risk area this summer

It’s one of Melbourne’s most popular spots for a dip or a few beers with mates in summer. It’s also a high-risk area for bushfires and police are warning there will be tolerance for silly behaviour this fire season.

Police are promising a strong presence to ensure there are no fire outbreaks or drownings on the Yarra River near Warrandyte this summer.

Rowdy swimmers and picnic goers have been warned of a strong police presence to ensure everyone’s safety at one of Melbourne’s most popular waterways this summer.

Manningham police will patrol both sides of the Yarra River, particularly in Warrandyte, to prevent any unruly behaviour or potential fire outbreaks in nearby bushland.

The daily patrols will be part of the annual Operation Safeguard, starts this week and finishes in March.

The operation aims to deter or reduce the impact of intentional and recklessly lit fires across Victoria.

Warrandyte has been prone to a heightened fire risk and devastating incidents in recent years.

In 2014, a fire tore through bushland and destroyed three homes in the suburb.

Manningham police Acting Inspector Ronelle Quin said a handful of small grass fires broke out from campfires or barbecues along the river last summer.

She said police would maintain a similar presence from previous years, and advice from the Bureau of Meteorology indicated rain during spring could escalate fire activity.

“We always have a big presence down there and that will continue, because we want people to be safe and feel safe,” Acting Insp Quin said.

“People have fires there (the river) … predominantly people visiting from outside the area … and unknown to them they don’t know what the fire rating is and how significant the risk can be.”

Acting Insp Quin said water safety was also a key concern with youths combining drinking alcohol and swimming.

She said a man nearly drowned in the river at Warrandyte last summer, and officers were working with Lifesaving Victoria to ensure visitors were aware of their personal safety.

“We’ve been exceptionally lucky we haven’t had any serious incidents, and people have been in the right place at the right time to ensure that we haven’t had a fatality,” Acting Insp Quin said.

“It’s always quite full down there, people are having fun and we’re encouraging people to go down there and do it safely.”

Acting Insp Quin said advice and warnings would be posted on the Eyewatch – Manningham Police Service Area Facebook page.

She said the Yarra River wouldn’t be the only area of focus in Warrandyte this summer with officers also targeting parks, rivers and “anywhere where people are doing the wrong thing”.

“We want people to be aware of their surroundings and their own activities, and responsible for their own actions,” Acting Insp Quin said.

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