CFA and Victoria Police are taking a zero tolerance approach to deliberate and recklessly lit fires following two incidents in Bacchus Marsh this month.
Bacchus Marsh Fire Brigade attended two suspicious fires around Darley Park late on Friday, 4 December and Sunday, 6 December.
Moorabool Crime Investigation detectives are investigating the fires. At this stage it is unclear if the fires are linked.
Police are calling on the community to report any information they may have. If anyone witnessed any suspicious cars or people in the area, call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
A member of the public was recently convicted and fined as a result of being charged with burning off during last year’s fire danger period.
CFA District 15 Operations Officer Anthony Pearce said it was disappointing that brigades had to attend to these calls due to people breaching the law.
“CFA and police will pursue charges against any person who burns off illegally when fire restrictions are in force,” he said.
“Deliberately and recklessly lit bush and grass fires could destroy communities, infrastructure, livestock and human life.”
For this reason, CFA and Victoria Police adopt a zero tolerance approach to deliberately or recklessly lit fires in Victoria.
Crimestoppers with CFA have been touring around the state over the last few weeks to promote the Crimestoppers Bushfire Arson Campaign which is designed to educate the Victorian community about arson and its devastating effects.
The maximum penalty for intentionally or recklessly causing a bushfire is 15 years imprisonment and a fine of over $36,000.
Author: CFA Media