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. <\/p>\n
The new, \u2018You Light It, You Own It\u2019 campaign reminds Victorians to exercise caution to avoid starting reckless or accidental fires.<\/p>\n
This campaign follows the recent launch of Operation Safeguard\u2014the annual police operation which aims to deter or reduce the impact of fires across Victoria.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Devastating bushfires have already started in Western Australia, New South Wales and Tasmania, with Victoria\u2019s Gippsland region and Otway Ranges considered to be at an increased fire risk following dry conditions.<\/p>\n
Crime Stoppers Victoria Chief Executive Stella Smith said, \u201cwe want Victorians to stop and think before their actions cause a fire this summer.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBushfires can start from actions as simple as lighting a campfire or using farm machinery and power tools on a hot and windy day. <\/p>\n
\u201cNo 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Crime Statistics Agency data shows in the year ending June 2023, there were 29 offences recorded in Victoria for causing a bushfire.<\/p>\n
If you are not taking appropriate precautions around fire, you will face the consequences and penalties. <\/p>\n
If you\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n
More information and resources are available at https:\/\/bit.ly\/4a0AH9e <\/p>\n
In an emergency, or if you see smoke or flames, call 000.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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, \u2018You Light It, You Own It\u2019 campaign reminds Victorians to exercise caution to avoid starting reckless or accidental fires. This campaign follows the recent launch of […]<\/p>\n