Fire crimes heating up in Victoria

By Georgia Tacey

Feb 14, 2025

The CFA is warning people not to light fires during the Fire Danger Period.

Data released by CFA and the Crime Statistics Agency has revealed a high number of fire offences were committed across Victoria during the past five years.

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Between 2019 and 2024, 1010 instances of lighting a fire during a Fire Danger Period were recorded, and 187 cases of lighting a fire on a Total Fire Ban 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 Fire Danger Period can include fines of up to $23,710, 12 months’ imprisonment or both. These penalties double on Total Fire Ban Days.

CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said the stats were 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.”

All Victorian municipalities are currently in the Fire Danger Period. For more information on restrictions, visit tinyurl.com/4eh58wsx

You can report illegal or suspicious fire activity by calling 000 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.