Emergency services are urging campers to ensure they are aware of current fire danger ratings after 18 people were warned about unauthorised campfires in the state's east last month.
Jamieson police and Jamieson CFA conducted a patrol of camping grounds in the Upper Goulburn State Forest between 7am and 11am on Boxing Day (26 December).
This was a day of total fire ban due to the hot weather.
During this patrol, 18 people were found to have lit a campfire at their site with the fires immediately dealt with by authorities.
With the exception of one site, all campers were in the area from metropolitan Melbourne.
Last week police issued a warning about the dangers of unextinguished campfires following an incident in Cape Otway this month that led to a bushfire.
About 14 hectares were burned during the fire on 8 January and approximately 150 needed to be evacuated from nearby campsites.
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.
Emergency services are reminding campers that a recklessly lit fire such as a campfire on a total fire ban day 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: https://www.police.vic.gov.au/bushfire-arson
Learn more about the Victoria Police and Crimestoppers 'You Light It, You Own It, bushfire campaign: https://www.crimestoppersvic.com.au/current-focus/bushfires/
Information on current fire danger rating is available on the CFA website: https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/fire-bans-ratings-and-…
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 Detective Inspector, Chris Murray, Arson and Explosives Squad:
"It is absolutely critical that people are aware of the current fire danger rating and what it means for them, both before they head out on a trip and during the duration of the trip.
"The weather can change quickly, meaning people need to adjust their behaviour. It may mean that on one day a campfire is permitted but the next day it absolutely is not.
"The actions of these 18 people could have led to catastrophic consequences for their families and everyone around them. It could have resulted in the destruction of people's properties and livelihoods, as well as irreparable damage to the local bushland.
"No life is worth a campfire and I again want to remind the community that if you light it, you own it - which includes all the consequences of your actions."
Quotes attributable to Kate Gavens, Chief Conservation Regulator:
"Campfires are a cause of bushfires that are 100 per cent preventable.
"Ensure you know the rules and are up to date on weather conditions before you light any fire. Your fire is your responsibility."
