Crime Stoppers Victoria recently joined the Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority (ESTA) on its podcast, ‘I Am 000′, to discuss fire and arson awareness.
During the episode, our CEO Stella Smith outlined the risks associated with both deliberately and recklessly lit bushfires. Examples of a recklessly lit fire include leaving campfires unattended, burning off without a permit, or disobeying restrictions on Total Fire Ban days.“You don’t need a match or the intent to be an arsonist… the consequences of a bushfire can be catastrophic… loss of life and property for the community, and potentially jail for those responsible,” Ms Smith said. Listen to the episode here In 2020, more than 40 ‘causing a bushfire’ offences were recorded by the Crime Statistics Agency Victoria — a dramatic 650% jump from the previous year, when just 6 offences were recorded.With fire season underway and a warm weekend ahead, it’s important to know that you don’t need to light a fire or even intend to do so to be an arsonist. Hear from @CrimeStopperVic CEO, Stella Smith and call-taker, Matthew about fire awareness: https://t.co/CcnFLiJp44 pic.twitter.com/80LBfxWIa4
— ESTA000 (@ESTA000) December 14, 2021
With these statistics considered, and summer now in full swing, Crime Stoppers Victoria urges the public to learn the common signs of bushfire arsonist, especially if they’re heading away to a bushfire-prone area.
Potential giveaways of an arsonist include:
- A person/people acting unusually or dressed inappropriately for the setting
- A vehicle that’s out of place
- Burnt out spot fires (some arsonists light small fires before igniting larger ones)
It’s also essential to know what service to contact depending on the situation:
- If there’s a fire burning or you see smoke, call Triple Zero (000) immediately
- If you know something about someone who has deliberately or recklessly lit a fire, make an anonymous report with Crime Stoppers Victoria here or call 1800 333 000
Discover more information about bushfire arson here