Police to crack down on firebugs this summer

Police are launching a crackdown on firebugs this summer with a zero-tolerance approach to any behaviour which might cause a fire.

Police are launching a crackdown on firebugs this summer with a zero-tolerance approach to any behaviour which might cause a fire.

With the weather heating up Victoria Police will tomorrow announce plans to prevent and protect the community from fires which have been recklessly or intentionally lit.

ON THE TRAIL OF THE BLACK SATURDAY ARSONIST

POLICE TRACKING DEVICE CAUGHT VIC FIREBUG

Last summer, 95 per cent of fire-related offences were caused by reckless actions — such as using tools or machinery during a fire danger period or burning off without a permit.

Assistant Commissioner Michael Grainger told the Herald Sun police will use an intelligence-led approach to monitor high risk areas in a bid to stop risky behaviour before it has devastating consequences.

Senior Constable Grace Botterill from Victoria Police arson investigation squad. Picture: Rob Leeson

“Across Victoria, police will use intelligence, local knowledge and awareness from both the community and emergency management sector to appropriately resource and task activities to prevent, detect and respond to fires,” Mr Grainger said.

“Our intelligence indicates that the risk of fire varies in its level and type in different areas, which is why police will use their local knowledge to better prevent, detect and respond to fires.

“Deliberate and reckless behaviour involving fire can result in a huge cost to the community through loss of life, destruction of property and the environment.

“Year on year police see far too many people taking part in careless and reckless behaviour that results in fires during the summer period.

“A recklessly lit fire such as failing to properly extinguish a campfire is a crime that carries severe penalties.

“It’s everyone’s responsibility to be mindful of their activities during fire danger periods, otherwise your actions could result in the cause of a bushfire.”

Anyone found guilty of recklessly or intentionally causing a bushfire could face 15 years in jail.

Lighting a fire on a total fire ban day can also attract a fine of around $37,000 or up to two years in jail.

Mr Grainger said the community and emergency services personnel play an important role in helping police detect and prevent fires.

YOUR GUIDE TO SURVIVING A BUSHFIRE

“Rest assured that information provided by the community is our most valuable tool,” Mr Grainger said.

“The information provided by members of the public is a contemporary and real-time source of intelligence that police use on a daily basis.”

Anyone who witnesses suspicious behaviour as it is occurring should call triple-0 and anyone with any information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report to crimestoppersvic.com.au

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@davidhurleyHS