Warning issued ahead of fire season

LOCAL emergency services are seeking community assistance regarding a spate of small fires occurring in the St Leonards area.

Since January, there has been 16 fires reported to Victoria Police and the Country Fire Association in the Bellarine Peninsula town.

There is also significant evidence to suggest there have been even more that have burnt out over time or that people have not reported.

Geelong Crime Investigation Unit detective senior sergeant Mark Guthrie said it was gravely concerning because there was no information about who was committing these offences.

“There seems to be a pattern – it’s around that Grassy Point Road area and roads similar into that area of St Leonards.

“We are about to go into a fire season, one that could be a bad one with the drought that we have had and the current state of undergrowth.

“We are concerned small fires like this can easily get into properties and bushlands and it’s a real concern. Bushfires devastate community and put lives at risk.

“We are making an appeal to the community to contact Crime Stoppers if they know any information. It’s everyone’s responsibility to be fire safe.”

CFA acting assistant chief fire officer Wayne Alymer said the spring outlook indicated there was a high risk of fires in the coming months.

“Fires being deliberately lit are certainly a concern to us, it takes a lot of time and resources away from our volunteers and staff across Victoria are dealing with.

“The risk is higher coming into this summer than previous years, and we need to make sure everyone is fire ready.

“Some of this spring rain we are getting is enough to take people’s mind off it.”

He outlined some advice the community should be following to stay fire smart.

“Have a plan and make sure everyone knows what your plan is.

“These fringe areas like St Leonards and other communities have great risk of grass fires. Understand if a fire is approaching these areas, move back a couple of streets and don’t clog it up for where fire vehicles are coming through.

“Connection is also very important. We want people across the Vic Emergency app to see conditions updates, advices and warnings.

“If you need any help with it, contact your local brigade and go seek some information.”