People interviewed for lighting fires on a total fire ban day

Victoria Police has interviewed four separate people in relation to lighting fires during recent periods of total fire bans.

Yesterday (Friday 10 January), a 70-year-old Longford woman was interviewed for lighting a fire in a paddock to burn rubbish during a period of total fire ban in Longford.

A 37-year-old Dromana man was interviewed for lighting a fire in a camp area to cook a meal during a period of total fire ban in Clydebank.

A 50-year-old Golden Beach man was interviewed for lighting a fire in a fire pit during a period of total fire ban in Golden Beach.

It’s alleged the man became abusive towards CFA members when they attended to extinguish the fire.

On Saturday 4 January, a 21-year-old Narre Warren man was interviewed for lighting a fire in a campsite to cook a meal during a period of total fire ban in Paradise Beach.

All four were released and are expected to be charged at a later date.

Police wish to remind the public that no fires can be lit on a total fire ban day without a Section 40 permit from the CFA.

Under the CFA Act 1958, it is an offence to light a fire during a total fire ban day without a permit.

Penalties for lighting a fire on a total fire ban include maximum 2 years jail or a large fine.

/Public Release. View in full here.