By Intern Journalist
Wyndham residents are being urged to be vigilant about dangerous fire
behavior.
Crime Stoppers, with CFA, Victoria Police and Forest Fire Management Victoria are conducting a Reckless Fires Cost Lives campaign during the fire season.
The campaign emphasises that whether recklessly or deliberately lit, bush and grass fires have disastrous consequences.
Crime Stoppers Victoria chief executive Erika Owens urged the community to take care.
“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,” she said.
“We know that information from the community helps to solve crime – we see it every day at Crime Stoppers.
“So please get behind this campaign and report what you know.”
Victoria Police assistant commissioner Michael Grainger reminded the Victorian public of fire dangers and serious penalties faced by offenders.
“A recklessly lit fire, such as failing to properly extinguish a campfire, is a crime that carries severe penalties,” he said.
“Penalties for causing a bushfire include up to 15 years imprisonment or fines of over $36,000.”
Joanna Catalno
