POLICE have stepped up their presence in the Great Western area, in the wake of several suspiciously lit fires.
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Officers have been called to investigate numerous blazes in the vicinity of the township over a period of at least 12 months.
They have increased patrols around Salt Creek Road while they urge members of the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicous activity.
Police are adopting a zero-tolerance approach to bushfire arson this summer following an increase in deliberately lit fires last season.
Last summer police responded to 62 cases of intentionally lit bushfires across the state - 19 more instances than the previous fire season.
Acting Deputy Commissioner Jack Blayney said Operation Firesetter would be re-activated over the coming months to reduce the occurrence and impact of suspicious bushfire arson activity.
"Operation Firesetter is a dedicated bushfire arson prevention and detection operation focusing on high-risk and arson prone areas," he said.
"We'll be monitoring persons of interest and any person responsible for starting an uncontrolled open air fire, no matter how small or large, will face the maximum penalty.
"People who commit bushfire arson are not always strangers, they often live and work in local communities.
"Rigorous investigations will be undertaken wherever and whenever bushfire arson is suspected to prevent and reduce future disasters."
Act Dep Comm Blayney said the community cannot afford to become complacent.
"Fires can easily ignite from any number of activities such as flicking a cigarette butt, failing to properly extinguish a campfire, or using tools such as angle grinders," he said.
"Like arson, a recklessly caused fire is a serious crime that has the very real potential to damage property, or injure and kill people and wildlife.
"Think about what you're doing and don't take unnecessary risks.
The maximum penalty for intentionally or recklessly causing a bushfire is 15 years imprisonment and a fine of more than $35,000.
The maximum penalty for arson causing death in Victoria is 25 years imprisonment.
"If you see something, say something and report suspicious and reckless behaviour by calling Triple Zero (000)," Act Dep Comm Blayney said.