Police are warning about the dangers of unextinguished campfires following an incident in Cape Otway earlier this week that led to a bushfire.
Emergency services responded to reports of a fire in bushland at Blanket Bay Road and Red Hill Track about 2:20am on Wednesday, 8 January.
Local police evacuated more than 150 people from nearby campsites, with drop-in centres opened at Apollo Bay Community Hall and Apollo Bay Youth Hall to accommodate displaced campers.
No one was injured during the incident.
The fire was deemed under control before 9am on 8 January, with about 14 hectares burnt.
Investigators from Forest Fire Management, Colac Crime Investigation Unit (CIU) and the Arson and Explosives Squad have determined the cause of the fire to be an unattended campfire which appears not to have been extinguished.
Police are now treating the bushfire as a criminal investigation and detectives from Colac CIU are appealing for any witnesses.
Anyone who was in the vicinity of the Blanket Bay campground on 8 January who may have information or dashcam, Go Pro or other video footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Police are reminding campers that a recklessly lit fire can have the same outcome as a deliberately lit fire, including significant loss of life, serious injury and property damage.
Recklessly lit fires can include things like disobeying restrictions relating to Total Fire Bans or fire danger periods, leaving campfires unattended, or using machinery during hot weather.
Police will investigate and take action to catch those responsible when a fire is deemed suspicious, whether it was a deliberate or reckless action.
Anyone found guilty of recklessly or intentionally causing a bushfire faces a penalty of up to 15 years imprisonment.
Further information about bushfire arson and reckless fires is also available on the Victoria Police website: Bushfire arson (police.vic.gov.au)
Learn more about the Victoria Police and Crimestoppers 'You Light It, You Own It, bushfire campaign: Bushfires - Crime Stoppers Victoria
Anyone who witnesses suspicious or reckless behaviour as it is occurring should call Triple Zero (000) and anyone with other information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppers.com.au
Quotes attributable to Western Region Division 1 Detective Inspector, Karl Curran:
"This is an example of reckless conduct which could have had catastrophic consequences.
"This unattended campfire has led to a significant response from emergency services, involving major evacuations of other campers.
"Fortunately, emergency services worked quickly to get the fire under control, but as we know, this is not always the case.
"We are now investigating the fire, and if we do identify who started the campfire, they will be charged."
Quotes attributable to Arson and Explosives Squad Detective Inspector, Chris Murray:
"This should serve as an important reminder to the community that if you light it, you own it.
"We won't hesitate to hold those to account for starting a fire - whether it is recklessly or deliberately lit, the outcome is often the same.
"If you are going to be lighting a fire or engaging in any activities that could lead to a fire starting, consider that if it gets away from you, you could be held criminally responsible".
