Yarra Ranges Fire Patrol would like to remind residents that Fire Restrictions are currently in force within the Yarra Ranges, Knox and Maroondah Council areas.
Police have a zero-tolerance approach to illegal burn offs and offenders will be prosecuted.
There were four illegal burn offs over the Christmas period, with four people expected to face court at a later date.
On 23 December a 36-year-old Silvan male was interviewed in relation to a burn off at an address on Queens Road, Silvan and will face court at a later date.
On 23 December a 36-year-old Berwick male was interviewed in relation to a burn off at an address on Olinda-Monbulk Road, Olinda and will face court at a later date.
On 24 December a 58-year-old Lilydale male was interviewed in relation to a burn off at an address on Maroondah Highway, Lilydale and will face court at a later date.
On 24 December a 43-year-old Olinda male was interviewed in relation to a fire at an address on Basin-Olinda Road, Olinda and will face court at a later date.
The penalties for recklessly causing a bushfire can include imprisonment.
Reckless behaviour can include disobeying restrictions relating to Total Fire Ban or fire danger periods, leaving campfires unattended, burning off without a permit, or using unmaintained machinery or hot tools that emit flames or sparks.
Those not taking appropriate precautions around fire will face the consequences and penalties.
Penalties for recklessly causing a bushfire or grass fire include up to 15 years imprisonment. The maximum penalty for arson resulting in death is 25 years imprisonment.
