Data released by CFA and the Crime Statistics Agency has revealed a concerning number of fire-related offences across Victoria over the past five years.
Between 2019 and 2024, there were 1,010 recorded instances of lighting a fire during the Fire Danger Period (FDP) and 187 cases of lighting a fire on a Total Fire Ban (TFB) day.
The Fire Danger Period is a designated time in each Victorian municipality when fire restrictions apply due to increased fire risk. A Total Fire Ban is declared on days of extreme conditions, prohibiting any fires in the open air.
Under the CFA Act, penalties for allowing an open-air fire to escape during a declared FDP can include fines of up to $23,710, 12 months' imprisonment, or both. The penalties double if the escape occurs on a Total Fire Ban Day.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said the stats are worrying.
"Lighting a fire during the Fire Danger Period and on days of Total Fire Ban puts lives, homes, and emergency responders at risk," he said.
"If you ignore fire restrictions, you could be facing serious legal repercussions and more importantly, you could be responsible for devastating losses.
"Victoria is already one of the most fire-prone regions in the world, so we certainly don't need unnecessary challenges created by carelessness or deliberate acts."
A recent incident in Diamond Creek serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of ignoring FPD restrictions.
CFA was called to a property at around 6:28pm on Monday, January 20, where crews arrived to find smoke issuing from a pile of green tree branches approximately a metre high.
Victoria Police attended the scene and are now pursuing charges against the resident for lighting a fire during Nillumbik Shire Council's Fire Danger Period.
All Victorian municipalities are currently in the Fire Danger Period, you can find out more information on what you can and can't do during the FDP here.
If you see illegal or suspicious fire activity, report it immediately by calling Triple Zero (000) or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
