The outer-west has been identified as a high-risk region ahead of the fire season.
Launching Operation Firesetter in Melton last Tuesday, Acting Assistant Police Commissioner Tess Walsh said police would patrol 39 fire-prone municipalities on days when the danger is rated severe, extreme or ‘code red’.
Melton and Moorabool were among 10 municipalities identified as high-risk areas. Police will conduct high-visibility patrols to deter and apprehend arsonists.
In January this year, the CFA attended deliberately lit blazes in Diggers Rest, Sunbury and Brimbank Park.
Mr Wells said Melton was chosen for the operation’s launch because many residents on the urban fringe had become complacent.
“This is where we need to make sure people are aware, and that they have their fire plans in place.”
