By ANEEKA SIMONIS
CARDINIA Shire ranks in the top three areas at risk of arson attacks state-wide, according to police figures.
Operation Firesetter, designed to investigate suspicious fire activity as well as prevent and apprehend arsonists during the high danger bushfire season, ranks Cardinia Shire as the third riskiest arson area in Victoria.
Yarra Ranges was ranked as the riskiest area for menacing fire setters, with Shepparton in at second place.
Pakenham police Senior Sergeant Graeme Stanley said additional police officers will be assigned to patrol risk sites and monitor persons of interest during the upcoming high fire season in Cardinia Shire.
He said police will also take a hard line on suspected arsonists in the area and urged residents with information about a suspected arsonist or arson incident to report as much detail to police as possible – particularly the person’s physical description and car registration details.
Officer-in-Charge at Pakenham/Cardinia CFA Jim Dore predicted the shire was in for “a bad one” this fire season.
“We have already had some significant burns like the one in Maryknoll (on Tuesday 6 October).
“The interesting part about that fire was that it was in a gully and happened as we are coming out of winter,” he said.
“It got up and running quite quickly and was burning strongly. It shows those areas are really dry.”
But emergency crews don’t just fear the consequences of reckless firebugs.
Some of the most problematic bushfires may be caused by ordinary people going about their business, according to Arson and Explosives squad Detective Inspector Michael Roberts.
Activities such as angle-grinding, operating farming machinery, disposing of cigarette butts, and leaving campfires unattended have the potential to become out of control fires that destroy lives and communities.
Intentional or accidental – those responsible for starting a fire will attract serious criminal penalties.
“The reality is that a fire, whether recklessly or accidentally lit, has the very real potential to damage property, to injure and to kill,” Insp Roberts said.
“This season, we’re asking people to be mindful of the consequences of their actions.
“For example, re-think the need to operate machinery on a high fire danger day, dispose of cigarettes appropriately and in a safe manner, and extinguish your campfire properly if leaving the campsite.
“Know the restrictions and be accountable to them.
“You don’t want your actions resulting in homes destroyed or lives lost.”
Police charged 39 people for deliberately lighting a bushfire last year.
Seven others were charged with recklessly causing a bushfire.
Anyone who witnesses suspicious fire-related activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or phone triple zero.
