By NICOLE VALICEK
AN ELEVEN-year-old boy was arrested and officially cautioned by police after he admitted to lighting a Melton grass fire that could have threatened homes and lives.
The boy and four of his friends, aged between 10 and 11 were detained by police after local CFA attended a fire in grass land near Black Dog Drive and Botanica Springs Blvd in Melton on 10 January.
The fire, that was quickly contained, headed towards the Western Highway near residential property, and grew to around 30 square metres.
“The consequences can be catastrophic, a grassfire that gets large and if the wind takes hold it can spread into residential area and it can burn houses and claim lives,” Detective Senior Sergeant Barry Jenks from the Melton Criminal Investigation Unit said.
Det Sen Sgt Jenks said all five boys were spoken to by police in the presence of their parents and they will attend a fire awareness program operated by the CFA in Melton.
He said it served as a warning to all parents to watch and educate their children on the dangers of fire.
Melton Senior Station Officer Jayson Hirt said since the Christmas period the local brigade has attended more than 100 calls, with 53 of those ranging from small to large fires.
“The grass around Melton is now 100 per cent cured, so with a hot day and strong winds (no matter what the direction) a fire has potential to impact the towns’ fringes,” Mr Hirt said.
During the past three weeks alone CFA and police have attended at least five grass fires all near residential areas, or land adjoining houses and all believed to be suspicious.
“No matter what the cause, the consequences could be catastrophic,” Det Sen Sgt Jenks said.
Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Steve Fontana said throughout the month of January 24 arsonists were charged in Victoria.
Mr Fontana warned on extremely hot days everyone needs to be vigilant.
“It’s not just about people looking out for arsonists it’s about people paying attention to your own conduct on those days some people are being careless and irresponsible in terms of their actions,” Mr Fontana said.
Det Sen-Sgt Jenks reminded the public to report any suspicious behaviour to police.
