No excuse for leaving campfires unattended

A campaign targeting reckless fire behaviour has been launched in a bid to prevent potential bushfires this summer.
The "You Light It, You Own It" campaign is reminding Victorians to exercise caution to avoid starting reckless or accidental fires.
With fire restrictions now in force in Baw Baw Shire, Crime Stoppers Victoria and Victoria Police are reminding people to be aware of their responsibilities when lighting fires in an effort to reduce the impact of fires across the state.
Crime Stoppers Victoria chief executive Stella Smith said they wanted Victorians to stop and think before their actions cause a fire this summer.
"Bushfires can start from actions as simple as lighting a campfire or using farm machinery and power tools on a hot and windy day.
"No one wants to be responsible for risking lives from an out-of-control fire, so we want to encourage people to make the right decisions."
Crime Statistics Agency data showed in the year ending June 2023, there were 29 offences recorded in Victoria for causing a bushfire.
Ms Smith said the You Light It, You Own It campaign was a reminder to stop and think about the consequences of starting a catastrophic fire.
"The forecast is for a hot summer and we want the community's help to stop bushfires before they start," she said.
Arson and explosives squad detective inspector Chris Murray said "preventing bushfires is everyone's responsibility."
"For areas at risk of fire, expect to see a highly visible police presence, particularly during fire danger periods. Expect to be spoken to by police and understand this, if you light a fire, you own it," he said.
"Accidental and recklessly lit fires are just as devastating as those fires deliberately lit. The consequences and outcomes to the community are the same.
"If you're responsible for a fire that gets out of control, you will be investigated, with penalties ranging up to 15 years jail. The maximum penalty for arson causing death in Victoria is 25 years imprisonment.
"You don't want your actions to be the cause of a bushfire. Ask yourself this, if the fire gets away from me, can I control it? If the answer is no, don't light it," he said.
Parks Victoria reported its authorised officers had increased patrols as they expect more than 85,000 campers to visit sites across Victoria this summer.
They will patrol across parks, forests and reserves to ensure campers are doing the right things and educate visitors on campfire safety.
Despite recent wet weather, Parks Victoria said campfires could easily turn into bushfires when left unattended or not put out properly.
Many people incorrectly attempt to extinguish campfires with soil, or without enough water to extinguish them completely, they said. If the remains of a campfire, including coals, are cool to touch, it is safe to leave.
Residents across Baw Baw Shire are not permitted to light a fire without a permit.
The CFA announced the Fire Danger Period (FDP) had begun in Baw Baw, Cardinia, Latrobe City, Bass Coast and South Gippsland council areas.
Ahead of summer, the CFA said property maintenance and creating or updating bushfire survival plans should be prioritised.
Despite recent rain and current green conditions, CFA south east deputy chief officer Trevor Owen said authorities had opted to introduce the FDP before the Christmas and New Year period to avoid any confusion.
"The abundance of grass fuels is the focus over the summer period," Mr Owen said. "Fast moving grassfires with the higher available grassland fuels is a risk that we have been preparing for".
Mr Owen added three years of the La Nina weather event produced wet and milder conditions which had created an abundance of grass across much of Victoria.
"Grass around many communities has been increasing, particularly around farming property, roadsides, residences and other assets," he said.
"Ensuring grass is properly maintained this summer will be critical. Continuing to mow, mulch and slash grass around your property to reduce the risk will protect properties and assist fire services in the event of a fast moving grassfire."