Crime Stoppers Victoria is partnering with Victoria Police to remind people, including those in Melton and Moorabool, to consider the consequences of their actions, in a bid to prevent potential bush fires 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.
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.
This follows a forecast of above average temperatures and below average rainfall for large parts of Australia.
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.
