Bendigo Police are urging residents to remain vigilant about fire danger this summer, despite a wetter than average outlook for the upcoming season.
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Operation Safeguard - the annual police operation which aims to deter or reduce the impact of intentional or recklessly lit fires across the state - has been launched this week.
Bendigo Senior Sergeant Brian Hanson said last year's operation identified a number of people who were lighting illegal fires locally.
"Those fires did spread into some neighboring properties and they did cause significant damage," he said.
"We don't want a repeat of that this year, it's one thing to light a fire, but you need to understand the consequences that will follow.
"As part of the operation, we will have extra resources patrolling campsites or parks to ensure people are not doing the wrong thing."
Victoria Police takes any bushfire that is deliberately or recklessly lit seriously. Police will investigate and take action to catch those responsible when a fire is deemed suspicious, whether it was deliberate or a reckless action.
- Assistant Commissioner Michael Grainger
Senior Sergeant Hanson said the operation was all about fire readiness and prevention.
"We are taking a proactive approach where we are trying to send out more community messaging in relation to fire awareness and the dangers associated with fire," he said.
"We are working closely with the Country Fire Authority, Parks Victoria and DELWP to make sure we get this message out in community."
Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner State Emergencies and Support Command Michael Grainger said now was not the time to be complacent.
"Summer in Victoria means the risk of fire is imminent," he said.
"In hot, dry and windy conditions, fires can start quickly, are fast-moving and can have devastating impacts.
"While we do have people deliberately lighting fires in the community, what is of concern is the number of recklessly lit fires in recent years."
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Assistant Commissioner Grainger said police would be targeting people who engage in careless behaviour, such as burning off without a permit, not putting out a campfire properly or using tools or machinery during fire restrictions.
"Preventing bushfires is everyone's responsibility - we're asking the community to be mindful of their activities during the summer period and act responsibly - it could be your actions the result in a devastating bushfire, causing loss of life and property," he said.
Police said there were 21 offences detected for reckless fire-related offences last bushfire season, with the most common burning off, campfires or using tools or equipment in the open.
There were 12 offences for intentionally causing a bushfire, between July 2020 - June 2021.
The introduction of the fire danger period begins in the City of Greater Bendigo from December 6, Central Goldfields Shire and Mount Alexander Shire from December 13.
The Macedon Ranges Shire's fire danger period has not been confirmed.
The Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Victoria released on 26 August identified potential for increased grassfire conditions for the 2021/22 fire season.
The risk is due to much of Victoria experiencing average to above average rainfall during winter, which will likely result in continuous grass and crop fuels through most areas west and north of the Great Dividing Range.
Anyone found guilty of recklessly or intentionally causing a bushfire can face significant fines and penalties of up to 15 years' imprisonment.
Police are reminding the community of their role in preventing bushfires and encourage people to speak up and report any reckless or suspicious behaviour.
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"Victoria Police takes any bushfire that is deliberately or recklessly lit seriously. Police will investigate and take action to catch those responsible when a fire is deemed suspicious, whether it was deliberate or a reckless action," Assistant Commissioner Grainger said.
Anyone who witnesses suspicious behaviour as it is occurring should phone Triple Zero (000) and anyone with any information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report to www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
Victorians should also stay informed using the Vic Emergency app and regularly check the Fire Danger rating to monitor the fire risk in their local area.
Operation Safeguard will run until March 2022.
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