As Operation Safeguard — Victoria Police's annual blitz on the impact of intentionally and recklessly lit fires — kicked off yesterday, local authorities were keen to point out recklessly lit fires had the potential to cause tremendous damage.
“To that end, the message we are putting out is Operation Safeguard will be taking action whether it was deliberate arson or an act of carelessness,” Greater Shepparton Acting Inspector Mick Layton said.
“The impact is the same to anybody who becomes impacted by the fire.
“Last year there were 26 instances where people were charged for reckless behaviour resulting in fires — and that's 26 too many, the way I look at it. People need to look at what they're doing and consider that potential to be fire.”
Recklessly lit fires typically include the use of angle grinders and welding equipment in the open, car exhausts and machinery, as well as physically lighting fires for burning off, campfires and bonfires.
Insp Layton said thinking only deliberately lit fires were dangerous would be foolish.
“And on the back of that, the message to get clear is this is not just about arson,” he said.
After last year's bushfire devastation, Insp Layton expected local residents would have upped their game in terms of being ready for fires, and said there was no time to lose if that was not the case.
“I'd hope on the back of last year that preparation is on the front of mind for people,” he said.
“But that doesn't mean we can take things for granted. The message is now is the time to prepare, and in some areas in the Hume region, it really is pressing.”
He said local police had undertaken additional training relating to emergency management after last bushfire season, noting they were well prepared for the summer ahead.
Recklessly or intentionally causing a bushfire carries a penalty of up to 15 years’ imprisonment, while lighting a fire on a total fire ban day can attract a fine of up to $39,000 or up to two years in jail.
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