Potential arsonists are being put on notice this summer that the Victorian Coalition Government, Victoria Police, Crime Stoppers and the local community will be working together in a concerted effort to stop the threat of fires.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Bushfire Response Peter Ryan today joined Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Kieran Walshe and Fire Services Commissioner Craig Lapsley in the Yarra Ranges to launch ‘Operation Firesetter’ Bushfire Arson Prevention Campaign.
“Victoria Police will undertake dedicated high visibility patrols across the state during periods of high fire danger to prevent and detect bushfire arsonists,” Mr Ryan said.
“The message around the Operation Firesetter campaign is loud and clear, if you see something or know something, say something.”
The campaign also warns arsonists can target the very community that they live in and work.
Mr Ryan said bushfire arson had the potential to ruin lives, properties, the environment and entire communities.
“The Bushfire Arson Prevention Campaign encourages the community to be our eyes and ears. They should call triple zero (000) immediately if they observe suspicious behavior or if they suspect someone of bushfire arson to call Crime Stoppers confidentially on
1800 333 000 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1800 333 000 end_of_the_skype_highlighting,” Mr Ryan said.
Mr Ryan said since coming into office the Coalition Government had introduced tangible solutions to help communities prepare and plan for bushfires including regional multi-agency training exercises, community evacuation drills, new community bushfire preparation and exploration of improved emergency management through the government’s Green Paper.
“The new all-hazards and all agencies approach to emergency management will help make Victoria a world leader in preparing for and responding to major emergencies like bushfires,” Mr Ryan said.
“We also have to address the human causes of fires and the need for people to speak up about arson to prevent another disaster like Black Saturday and the Gippsland fires.”
Media contact: Sonia Heath 0413 485 526 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 0413 485 526 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
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