Three children charged over Shepparton grassfires
Three kids have been charged for allegedly starting a number of grassfires in Shepparton on Melbourne Cup day.
Goulburn Valley
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Three kids have been charged after they allegedly deliberately lit a number of grassfires in Shepparton on Melbourne Cup day as bushfire season looms.
Multiple grassfires broke out across Shepparton on November 5 with the bushfire season expected to start on November 11.
Firefighters from FRV the CFA responded to the fires at 3.22pm on Broken River Drive, Shepparton.
Firefighters arrived on scene within five minutes to find multiple small fires in the area and the response was escalated.
Police will allege the fires were deliberately started by a 14-year-old Mooroopna boy, 13-year-old Shepparton girl and a 12-year-old Shepparton boy.
It is alleged about eight acres of land was burnt.
They were charged with intentionally or recklessly causing a bushfire.
They will all appear at a children’s court at a later date.
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.
Anyone found guilty of recklessly or intentionally causing a bushfire faces a penalty of up to 15 years imprisonment.
Bushfire season officially begins on November 11 and will run until May 1, according to the CFA.
Anyone who witnesses suspicious or reckless behaviour as it is occurring should call triple-0 (000) and anyone with other information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a form online.
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