REGION’S FIREBUGS IN THE CROSSHAIRS
Reckless use of coal barbecues cited as police launch campaign
AUTHORITIES have taken aim at reckless residents who put the community’s safety at risk by breaching fire restrictions.
Police, CrimeStoppers, firefighters and Geelong’s council have teamed for a new Reckless Fires Cost Lives campaign aimed at educating locals about the risk of fire.
Geelong Mayor Bruce Harwood said more people were endangering lives by illegally lighting coal barbecues at popular picnic grounds like Eastern Beach.
“Not only are we seeing an increase in groups and individuals illegally lighting these bar- becues, often they are not being extinguished properly, which puts the community at risk of preventable fires,” Cr Harwood said. “Unfortunately, people lighting these fires and then tipping hot coals on the ground are not considering the risk they’re posing to the community and to the council staff who have to clean it up.”
Acting Superintendent Tre- vor Cornwill echoed the call for residents to report what the illegal behaviour.
“Recklessly-lit fires affect the entire community, and offenders face up to 15 years in prison and $36,000 in fines,” he said.
“Reckless fires cost lives. We need your help to keep the community safe from bushfires this summer by being aware of your own fire behaviour and that of others.”
Supt Cornwill people must understand the fire rules for their local area or the areas they’re travelling to before they light up.
“If you know of anyone engaging in reckless fire behaviour, or have any information about reckless or deliberately- lit fires, we urge you to call 000 in an emergency or make a report to Crime Stoppers Victoria confidentially,” Supt Cornwill said.
CFA south west assistant chief officer Luke Rohan said people must take all possible steps to avoid fires getting out of control.
“It only takes one ember for a reckless fire to do damage to our community — it changes people’s lives forever,” Mr Rohan said.
“Whatever we can do to prevent that is extremely important.”
Caroline Reid, from Crime Stoppers Victoria, urged anyone witnessing suspicious behaviour to call police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.