A GREATER police presence in high-risk bushfire areas, a close watch on possible arsonists and encouraging the public to be more aware of suspicious activity will be part of Operation Firesetter in central Victoria.Greater Bendigo Police Inspector, Mark Edwards is encouraging people to be aware of possible arson activity, particularly in high-risk fire areas this summer.Inspector Edwards said police were relying on the public to be their eyes and ears.“We want the public to be really mindful of arson acts,’’ he said.“Particularly in the bush, and on Code Red days or days of extreme fire danger.’’Inspector Edwards said suspicious acts could involve people being in remote bush land.“It might be nothing, but it could be something,’’ he said.“If it requires immediate action, where a fire is imminent, call triple-0. Otherwise call Crime Stoppers on 1800 330 000.’’Inspector Edwards said people should note the registration number of any suspicious vehicles, but not approach suspicious people.Inspector Edwards said police would keep a careful watch on arsonists during summer.“For us, we certainly have operations in place to look at high-risk arson suspects,’’ he said.Inspector Edwards said although Black Saturday was just two years ago, people would be somewhat complacent about the risks of bush fires.“People are mindful in the short term but as time goes on people tend to go back to their old habits, which is really sad considering the amount of lives lost on Black Saturday,’’ he said.“This summer, the big risk for us in central Victoria, given the rain we have had this year, is grass fires. And they can be as deadly as bush fires.’’Inspector Edwards said farmland with long, dry grass near Lake Eppalock was a particular concern for emergency services.“With more water in Eppalock there will be more tourists, so people need to be mindful of people throwing bottles and cigarettes out the windows of cars. If you see this happen, you need to report it,’’ he said.Inspector Edwards said a strike team from Bendigo police was involved in an exercise last week to test the running of its Incident Police Operations Centre.He said the same strike team would be on standby throughout summer, and could call on the Operational Response Unit from Melbourne to assist.