General News
23 December, 2025
Emergency services to crack down on reckless and accidentally lit fires
Victorian emergency services are partnering together to remind people to consider the consequences of their actions, in a bid to prevent potential bushfires 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 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.
Goldfields Crime Investigation Unit Detective Sergeant Steve Atkinson said the campaign is a move to deter and minimise fire incidents that could be easily avoided.
“It’s a statewide campaign we are running in conjunction with the arson and explosives squad, it’s about the basics, if you do light something, you are responsible for it. We want to hold people to account, especially with the dangers, it’s a very simple message and a pretty powerful one,” he said.
“Also complacency around campfires that people can have for cooking and warmth, that might not be on a total fire ban day, but they could leave that fire unattended or fail to put that fire out, if it becomes a major fire, they are accountable for that.
“Another one is the use of machinery. We totally understand farmers and tradesmen need to work, but on those bad fire days, especially total fire ban days, a fire starts as a result, and they are accountable for it.”
Goldfields Group Officer Peter Higgins said turn outs to these incidents have become less frequent in recent fire seasons, but locals still need to consider activities planned for total fire ban days.
“There is no mixed messaging, the same message comes from all emergency services, but the more campaigning, the more it gets through at some stage, and I reckon it’s worked,” he said.
However, Mr Higgins agreed bushfires can start from actions as simple as using power tools or lighting campfires.
“We can’t stop people on total fire ban days and we can’t stop farmers from using equipment, but we always ask them not to. If it is above a certain temperature and winds are a certain speed, just don’t,” he said.
“Don’t use an angle grinder on a total fire ban day in the middle of a paddock, that once nearly resulted in half Majorca and Carisbrook getting burnt out. Hopefully people have learnt from that.
“If you’re camping on a total fire ban days, you cannot light a fire, we have had a couple already get away around here.
“Think the situation through a little bit.”
Those found responsible for a fire that gets out of control will be investigated, with penalties ranging up to 15 years jail. The maximum penalty for arson causing death in Victoria is 25 year imprisonment.
“This Christmas Day, let’s enjoy the day and not be chasing fires, we don’t want properties or shearing sheds burning down because someone was negligent,” Mr Higgins said.