By Ruza Zivkusic
THERE will be no tolerance towards illegally lit fires this summer, Country Fire Authority (CFA) Operations officer Ian Phillips has warned.
With Caroline Springs and Rockbank areas being identified as having the highest number of illegally lit fires, an agreement among CFA, Melton Shire Council and the Victoria Police will see a “zero tolerance” policy enforced this summer.
Residents are being warned that starting fires without a permit during the fire danger period will see prosecution take place including penalties and fines of up to $10,000 and jail sentences of up to two years.
“These deliberately lit fires put lives at risk and place pressure on valuable CFA sources, causing unnecessary damage to homes, infrastructure and the community,” Mr Phillips said.
