AN ILLEGAL firework display is the suspected source of a fire that blazed out of control for 30 minutes on Tuesday night.
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The CFA sent four vehicles to fight the blaze, which started at about 9.10pm at Weiss Beach, near Cobram Track, Koonoomoo.
The fire was spreading through grasses when crews were called in from Yarroweyah, Cobram, and Strathmerton brigades. It was declared under control at about 9.40pm.
Read more: Illegal fireworks akin to Russian roulette
A spokeswoman for Victoria police said the exact circumstances were yet to be determined, but a firework being illegally lit was the suspected ignition source.
WorkSafe Victoria has reported a rise in illegal fireworks being seized and surrendered in 2021, with the authority destroying 731 kilograms of the pyrotechnics. It was significantly up from the 626 kilograms destroyed in 2020.
Fire Rescue Victoria Commissioner Ken Block said firefighters had responded to 163 incidents
involving fireworks in the past five years.
"Some of these fires have resulted in severe injuries, significant damage to property and
even disruptions to the public transport network, he said.
Many of the incidents were started by children and teens, so I urge all parents to talk to their
children about the dangers of fireworks."
Anyone with information about the Koonoomoo fire is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
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