FIREFIGHTERS, police and park rangers have issued a zero tolerance warning with the start of the fire danger period for the state’s north-west.
District 18 acting operations manager Dean Simmons said the introduction of fire restrictions and a forecast of warmer weather later this week were timely reminders to the public to take care in their activities and to report any suspicious behaviour.
The fire danger period came into effect as of 1am Monday morning for the Swan Hill Rural City Council area.
Agencies issued a caution ahead of a spike in temperatures forecast this week, with the mercury expected to hit 29 degrees on Thursday, and a severe fire danger rating predicted.
“Reckless caused fires are often viewed by the community as accidental, but the reality is the potential for injury, loss of life, property damage and drain on resources is the same as that caused by arson,” Mr Simmons said.
“That’s why we want people to make sure they understand when they can and can’t light a campfire, use a barbecue, a chainsaw or farm machinery for example, and in terms of campfires make sure they are properly extinguished before leaving them.”
Mr Simmons said if residents needed to burn-off, they were required to secure a permit and abide by strict conditions.
“CFA has zero tolerance approach to any fires that have started from illegal or negligent behaviour and we need residents to expect any such fire to be fully investigated by the CFA and Victoria Police,” Mr Simmons said.
Swan Hill Senior Sergeant Brian Hansen said police would again be out in force this fire season, patrolling high-risk areas on days of high fire danger.
“We work closely with CFA and other agencies and want to remind the community about their responsibilities to make sure we all stay safe this summer,” he said.
“Recklessly lit fires affect the entire community, the offenders face up to 15 years’ prison and $36,000 in fines.
“It’s up to everyone to know the fire rules for their local area, or the areas they’re travelling to and to be mindful of their own actions and the behaviour of the people around them.”
Snr-Sgt Hansed urged anyone who sees anyone flouting the fire laws to report it.
“If you know anyone engaging in reckless fire behaviour, or have any information about reckless or deliberately lit fires, we urge you to call triple zero in an emergency, or make a report to Crime Stoppers confidentially on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppers.com.au.”
Swan Hill CFA captain Dennis Turner said the fire season ahead is expected to be a busy one, with everyone expected to play a part in ensuring community safety.
“It’s always been a multi-agency approach, we need everyone to do their part, police follow up, Department of Environment, Land,Water and Planning keep an eye on our forests and rivers and landowners need to do the right thing too,” he said.
“We will be taking a zero tolerance approach.”If we respond and there is no reason for a fire, we will be calling the police.
“The fire danger period is in now, and if there is a fire going, you can expect police to turn up and charge you.”
Capt Turner said the ongoing windy conditions are cause for concern moving forward.
“I think we will be a lot busier than last year,” he said.
“What concerns me is the wind hasn’t died off, they’re predicting the wind to pick up again on Friday and Saturday later this week, and we’ll be on.
“The wind is a telling factor this year and the dry conditions too.”
Volunteers have attended 116 fires this year as of the start of the fire danger period.
Parks Victoria ranger team leader Jeremy Downs said with more Mallee residents heading outdoors with the warmer weather, it was key campfire safety was kept in mind.
“Our main focus is campfire safety,” he said.
“Campfires must be attended at all times, and fires must be extinguished with water, not soil.
“Fires should be in a 30cm pit, no bigger than a metre and solid fuel must be contained within the fire.”
Mr Downs said the recent grand final long weekend had already seen a number of campers caught unaware.
“Grand final weekend, we found a couple of unattended fires and also rubbish in fires,” he said.
“People can’t burn rubbish in fires, because glass and aluminium remain, they also need to clear three metres around from flammable material, including air space.”
Mr Downs said penalties of more than $400 could apply for anyone found flouting fire regulations in state forests.
