A high alert for fires across the region and all of Victoria today.
Fire fighters are on high alert today ahead of some extreme heat across the state.
Geelong and the Surf Coast are facing a top of 36 degrees today, and with the South West region sitting at a moderate rating.
There’s still a fire burning to the north of Anakie in the Brisbane Ranges National Park.
While police have warned arsonists face up to 15 years jail for starting a fire.
Arson and Explosives Squad Detective Inspector Chris Murray said police would come down hard on anyone who broke the rules.
“While leaving a campfire unattended or operating machinery on a total fire ban day may not seem like a big deal, police and our emergency services partners can speak first-hand to the devastating consequences that can occur when these actions go wrong,” he said.
“It may seem like this behaviour is accidental, but it is negligent and criminal.
“This should serve as an important reminder to the community that if you light it, you own it.
“We won’t hesitate to hold those to account for starting a fire – whether it is recklessly or deliberately lit, the outcome is usually the same.”
