POLICE have issued a strong warning following several instances of fires being lit during the Fire Danger Period.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Fire Danger Period was declared in Ararat just over two weeks ago on November 19 and police have already been called on to investigate five fires in the region.
Sergeant Brett Johnson of Ararat said three people are facing charges over the blazes.
“The Fire Danger Period was enacted on the 19th November and since then we’ve had five fires in the rural city,” he said.
“In regards to three of those fires the responsible persons are now facing charges, so we want to get it out there that it is a fire danger period.
“There are strict conditions in regards to a person’s being able to light fires, and they must be aware of those conditions before contemplating lighting a fire.”
The first fire police attended took place on November 25 on Burn Street, Ararat. A 45 year old male is expected to be charged on summons for a burn off that spread out of control.
The second occurred on December 1 at Dobie Highway Park on the Western Highway, where a 51 year old male is expected to be charged on summons in relation to an illegal camp fire which got away from him.
On December 2 another fire occurred on Campbell Street, Ararat. A 48 year old woman is expected to be charged in relation to an illegal burn off in her backyard.
Police also investigated a fire on November 30 on Birdswood Avenue, Ararat, where someone lit a cooking fire, with inquiries still pending.
A fire on November 30 at Green Hill Lake Reserve has been declared an accident, with no further actions to take place.
Sergeant Johnson said people should check the CFA website or even ring and ask local police or the CFA if they are unsure about what they can and can’t do.
He advised that if someone witnesses a fire they believe may not be legal, it is best to err on the side of caution and call Triple 0.
“Definitely err on the side of caution at this time of year. If the fire brigade attend they can assess accordingly,” he said.
Meanwhile, police have also issued a warning in the lead up to the holiday season.
“Police are issuing a warning in regards to anti-social behaviour over the upcoming Christmas and New Year period,” Sergeant Johnson said.
“We won't be tolerating booze fueld violence in the streets and in licensed premises. Anyone behaving in such a manner will be dealt with with the full force of the law.”
