You light it, you own it

Crime Stoppers Victoria is partnering with Victoria Police to remind people to consider the consequences of their actions, in a bid to prevent potential bushfires this summer.

The new, ‘You Light It, You Own It’ campaign reminds Victorians to exercise caution to avoid starting reckless or accidental fires.

This campaign follows the recent launch of Operation Safeguard—the annual police operation which aims to deter or reduce the impact of fires across Victoria.

Bushfires cause devastation in Victorian communities, claiming lives, displacing families and impacting livelihoods. Advice from the Australasian Fire and Emergency Services Authorities Council (AFAC) states Australians are being urged to prepare for a bushfire season similar to the 2019/20 Black Summer.

Devastating bushfires have already started in Western Australia, New South Wales and Tasmania, with Victoria’s Gippsland region and Otway Ranges considered to be at an increased fire risk following dry conditions.

Crime Stoppers Victoria Chief Executive Stella Smith said, “we want Victorians to stop and think before their actions cause a fire this summer.”

“Bushfires can start from actions as simple as lighting a campfire or using farm machinery and power tools on a hot and windy day.

“No one wants to be responsible for risking lives from an out-of-control fire, so we want to encourage people to make the right decisions.”

Crime Statistics Agency data shows in the year ending June 2023, there were 29 offences recorded in Victoria for causing a bushfire.

If you are not taking appropriate precautions around fire, you will face the consequences and penalties.

If you’re responsible for a fire that gets out of control, you will be investigated, with penalties ranging up to 15 years jail. The maximum penalty for arson causing death in Victoria is 25 years imprisonment.

More information and resources are available at https://bit.ly/4a0AH9e

In an emergency, or if you see smoke or flames, call 000.