General News
23 March, 2023
Police urge residents to follow Fire Danger Period restrictions after spate of incidents
Residents are being reminded of their obligations during the Fire Danger Period, with local police saying they’ve seen a concerning number of illegally lit fires in the region — and push back from offenders towards emergency services. Fire...
Residents are being reminded of their obligations during the Fire Danger Period, with local police saying they’ve seen a concerning number of illegally lit fires in the region — and push back from offenders towards emergency services.
Fire restrictions are currently in place for the Central Goldfields Shire, meaning no burning off is allowed without a permit.
Despite the restrictions, which have been in force since December 19, Goldfields Police Service Area Acting Inspector Darren McQueen said the number of fires that have been illegally lit is worrying.
“What I’ve noticed in the last month or so is that illegally lit fires have become an issue for us,” he said.
“We’ve seen a spike in issues like suspicious roadside fires and also people who are lighting fires in recreational areas contrary to the restrictions.
“In a couple of instances there’s been some pushback from those people or campers to CFA, which has required police intervention which is a concern.”
Act Insp McQueen said unnecessary calls to incidents that shouldn’t be happening puts a strain on local emergency services, and the community at risk if there is a legitimate emergency.
“The CFA are committing resources to incidents thatshouldn’t be happening and they’re incidents that don’t require tankers to attend,” he said.
“This behaviour is really placing the community at risk because CFA resources are being taken away from where they might be needed.
“The other complexity is that if they do turn up and are confronted by people who have illegally lit a fire and police have to attend, it drains our resources as well.
“It’s really an unpleasant situation to be in and it’s a situation that’s completely avoidable if people just follow the rules and restrictions.”
Act Insp McQueen said police are actively on the lookout for people deliberately lighting fires and encouraged residents who see suspicious behaviour to report it.
“Arson and roadside fires are a key focus for us at the moment, we have noticed there have been more than average of these sorts of spot fires,” he said.
“We’re tasking our units to be vigilant and watch for incidents like this.
“We’d urge any residents or passers by to report incidents like this either confidentially via CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000 or by contacting Triple Zero.”
Act Insp McQueen urged residents to visit the CFA website to learn more about the restrictions and what they mean for the local area.
“I’d urge residents and locals to visit the CFA’s website and read about the restrictions and what they mean, as well as read through the advice on fire prevention,” he said.
The Fire Danger Period will be in place until May 1.
To find out what you can and can’t do during the period, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/fire-danger-period-restrictions