Victoria is one of the highest bushfire risk areas in the world.
Victoria Police adopts a zero-tolerance approach to deliberately or recklessly lit fires in our state.
What is arson
Bushfire arson is deliberately or recklessly lighting or abandoning a fire.
Prevent bushfires and arson
Most preventable bushfires in Victoria are caused by simple acts that have major impacts. Anything that can cause a spark can start a fire.
Actions that can lead to bushfires include:
- burning off during prohibited periods
- using equipment or machinery on days of elevated fire risk
- failing to properly extinguish fires such campfires or bonfires
- improperly disposing of barbecue coals
- car exhausts or discharge from truck flues coming into contact with grassland near roadside verges
- children and teenagers ‘experimenting’ with fire.
If your actions lead to a bushfire, you can be charged.
It is important to contact the fire brigade or police on Triple Zero (000) if you see any concerning behaviour.
Arson related penalties
A recklessly lit or abandoned fire is a crime that carries severe penalties.
The maximum penalty for arson causing death in Victoria is 25 years imprisonment.
The maximum penalty for intentionally or recklessly causing a bushfire is 15 years imprisonment.
Impacts of bushfires
The social and economic costs associated with bushfires are incredibly high. They have a devastating impact on communities, lives and properties.
Bushfire arson can cause:
- loss of life to people and animals
- widespread destruction of property
- heightened fear within the community.
We are committed to pursuing anyone who causes a bushfire, regardless of intent.
CFA fire restrictions
During days of high fire risk, the Country Fire Authority (CFA) can declare a fire danger period, or a total fire ban.
During these days, open air fires and certain activities that could start a fire are legally restricted. You will be fined if you engage in any of the restricted activities.
Read the CFA's restrictions on what you can and can't do during fire restricted days.
Lighting campfires
Weather conditions can rapidly change at any moment, and you can quickly lose control of a fire.
Even small campfires can turn into deadly bushfires in the wrong conditions.
Report arson or concerning activities
Victoria Police relies on the community to help monitor activities and behaviour that may cause a bushfire.
You should immediately report any behaviour that could cause an uncontrolled fire.
Victorian bushfires December 2019
Read about the devastating impacts of the 2019-2020 Victorian bushfires, and the ways that emergency services and the Victorian community worked together.
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