Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) is calling for vigilance after attending several suspicious car fires in the State over the past six months.
Deputy Commissioner of Fire Safety at FRV, Michelle Young said firefighters had responded to many recent incidents where cars were found alight in grasslands, sparking concerns that they could start a dangerous grassfire.-
“Car fires in scrub and grasslands can and do easily turn into dangerous grassfires, which is a serious threat to nearby residents and their homes,” Deputy Commissioner Young said.
“Many properties on the urban fringe are located close to grasslands, particularly the newer estates,” she said.
“This, combined with the increased chance of grassfires this season, means car fires on the urban fringe could quickly become a tragedy.”
Deputy Commissioner Young said that in addition to the threat car fires in scrub and grasslands posed to the community, the incidents also put responding firefighters at risk.
She urged Victorians to call Triple Zero (000) or Crime Stoppers if they saw or knew of anyone setting fire to cars.
“If there is a fire near you, call Triple Zero (000) immediately, an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers can also help the emergency services prevent these incidents in the first place,” she said.
“I also urge anyone engaging in this type of behaviour to understand the potential consequences of these actions, and to think again.”
Deputy Commissioner Young said grassfires posed a significant risk to Victorians this summer, as above-average rainfall in Spring resulted in prolific grass growth across the State.
