By NATALIE GALLENTI
MELTON is in the top 10 at-risk municipalities during the summer bushfire season, according to the area’s top cop.
Melton police will conduct patrols in high-risk fire and arson locations, as well as target known and suspected arsonists in the area this summer.
Inspector Mario Fiorentino told Star that with the launch of Operation Firesetter, now in its third year, Melton police would taking a “zero tolerance” approach to detecting bushfire arsonists across the municipality.
Insp Fiorentino added the police would be focusing on prevention by conducting high visible patrols in well-kn
own bushfire arson hotspots.
Victoria Police statistics reveal there were 3091 offences of arson recorded in the 2011-12 financial year throughout Victoria with 114 recorded in the Melton Police Service Area.
During the 2010-11 financial year, there were 2899 recorded offences of arson in the state, with 95 recorded in Melton PSA.
Insp Fiorentino said along with the usual planning at this time of the year, Melton Police would be conducting dedicated saturated police patrols in high-risk fire locations and arson-risk.
He said known and suspected arsonists and “persons of interest” would be targeted.
“A zero tolerance approach will be set in place with fire services to ensure all fires lit in contravention of the law during the declared fire danger period will be reported and investigated by police,” Insp Fiorentino said.
And Melton City Council has got on board by encouraging residents to adequately prepare for the upcoming fire season.
Mayor Kathy Majdlik said now was the time for residents to identify their risk, start preparing their bushfire survival plan and clear their property.
“With the warmer weather upon us it is a timely reminder that we must all work together to be as fire-safe and as fire-ready as possible so that lives can be preserved and properties protected this fire season,” Cr Majdlik said.
The council is urging residents to decide if they will stay and defend their home in the event of a fire or leave high-risk areas early on days of severe fire danger.
Residents should also clear vegetation and potential fuel from around their property.
The council has also warned residents that throughout the warmer months a fire prevention officer will inspect properties within the municipality.
Where necessary, a Fire Prevention Notice may be issued, which requires owners to take specific action.
Failure to comply will result in the council carrying out work at the owner’s expense and may also result in court prosecution.
The maximum penalty for arson causing death in Victoria is 25 years imprisonment, while the maximum penalty for intentionally or recklessly causing a bushfire is 15 years imprisonment.
