Special operation set to target arsonists over summer

Increased police patrols on high fire risk days will be part of a special operation targeting arsonists for the next four months.

Operation Safeguard, launched this week, will see local police set their sights on reckless people displaying reckless behaviour this summer.

And it will be a zero-tolerance approach for lighting fires on total fire ban days.

Eastern division superintendent Mick West said police had zero tolerance for fire activity and people lighting fires on high risk days would be fined.

Supt West said Operation Safeguard was all about protecting the community.

“It’s only a couple of years ago that the Bunyip Ridge Fire was heading our way (to Warragul), but Black Saturday is not far off people’s minds as well.

“There is a zero-tolerance attitude – we had to be serious and get to this stage to protect our communities,” he said.

On high risk days, extra police will be patrolling high risk areas around Baw Baw Shire, including the state parks, bush tracks and camping grounds.

“Most of our big fires have started in Bunyip State Forest so we want to prevent any arson attack.

“We will be looking at arsonists and hot spots in our area.

“We will also target camping grounds and reminding people about not leaving fires unattended,” he said.

Supt West said in rural areas, it was important for farmers and property owners to be aware of weather conditions and fire risk when using agricultural equipment that can cause sparks and quickly develop into grass fires.

“It’s green at the moment but it doesn’t take long to dry out,” he said.

Supt West said anyone caught lighting a fire on a total fire ban or during fire restrictions faced hefty fines and a penalty notice.

Operation Safeguard is an annual police operation which aims to deter or reduce impact of intentional and recklessly lit fires.

Assistant Commissioner Michael Grainger police would investigate and take action to catch those responsible when a fire was deemed suspicious, whether it was a deliberate or reckless action.

Anyone found guilty of recklessly or intentionally causing a bushfire faces a penalty of up to 15 years imprisonment.

Asst Cmr Grainger said while some fires were deliberately lit, the number of recklessly lit fires was a major concern.

“It might seem like leaving a campfire unattended or operating machinery on a total fire ban day is not a huge issue.

“Whether they are deliberately lit or not, the outcome is often the same.

In the 2019-20 bushfire season 26 people were charged with fire-related offences due to reckless behaviour.

The most common causes of recklessly lit fires are burning off, campfires, car exhausts and machinery, use of tools such as angle grinders and welding equipment out in the open, bonfires and flares; and farm machinery such as slashers and harvesters.

“The devastating impact from last year’s bushfires are still very fresh for the affected communities and emergency service responders,” Asst Cmr Grainger said.

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.

Anyone who witnesses suspicious behaviour as it is occurring should call triple zero (000) and anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.