Any spark can start a fire.
A spark. A flame. A fire that can’t be stopped. This joint campaign from Crime Stoppers Victoria and Victoria Police highlights the importance of understanding the risks and acting responsibly can help prevent fires before they start.
The Risk
What drives bushfire risk in Victoria
Weather & conditions
Heat, wind and dry conditions can quickly
increase fire risk.
High temperatures, strong winds, low humidity, dry vegetation, built-up fuel such as grass, leaf litter, twigs and bark, and even lightning storms can turn a small spark into a fast-moving fire.
Check the Fire Danger Rating before you light anything:
Adjust Your Activities
Exercise caution and think about how your actions
could start a fire.
Machinery, power tools, campfires and cigarettes can all throw a spark, so always check local restrictions, follow safety guidelines and extinguish fires properly.
If you’re unsure whether you can control a fire safely,
don’t light one.
Criminal Penalties
15yrs
Imprisonment
Recklessly causing a bushfire
Maximum penalty under Victorian law, even without intent to cause harm.
25yrs
Imprisonment
Arson resulting in death
Maximum penalty where a reckless or deliberate fire costs a life.
Reckless fire behaviour includes ignoring fire restrictions, leaving campfires unattended, burning off without a permit, or using equipment that creates sparks. If you fail to take proper precautions, you may face significant penalties..
Your fire is your responsibility. Reckless and accidental fires put lives and homes at risk.
WATCH THE CAMPAIGN
See the campaign in action
Real scenarios, clear consequences, and what you can do to help.
STAY SAFE
Fire safety: the do's and don'ts
The Do’s
Monitor Fire Danger Ratings
Check permits and fire restrictions
Follow official warnings and advice
Keep fire-extinguishing equipment nearby
Maintain equipment regularly
Fully extinguish fires before leaving
The Dont’s
Burn off without a permit or during a Total Fire Ban
Use spark-producing equipment on high-risk days
Leave a campfire or coals unattended
Light a fire if you can't control it
Dispose of coals or cigarette butts unsafely
Ignore changing weather conditions
RESOURCES & DOWNLOADS
Bushfire Safety Resources
Any Spark Can Start a Fire
Download the Any Spark Can Start a Fire Resource Pack to learn how to prevent bushfires, reduce fire risks and use fire safely in Victoria.
Campfire and BBQ Safety Rules Victoria
Learn the rules for campfires, BBQs and stoves to help prevent bushfires in Victoria.
Victoria Fire Restrictions and Fire Ban Rules
Understand fire bans, fire danger periods and restrictions that apply across Victoria.
Apply for a Fire Permit Victoria
Check permit requirements and apply for fire-related activities across Victoria.
Accessible Bushfire Information
Access bushfire preparedness, warning and recovery information in accessible formats.
Bushfire and Grassfire Safety Guide
Learn how to prepare, stay informed and act safely before, during and after a bushfire.
Report Bushfire Arson and Suspicious Activity | Victoria Police
Learn how to prevent bushfires, recognise suspicious behaviour and report arson safely to Victoria Police.
Your Fire Is Your Responsibility | html
Learn the rules for campfires, barbecues and stoves, including how to prepare, stay informed and act safely before, during and after a bushfire.
防范丛林火灾安全指南 | 简体中文
以簡體中文了解高溫、強風及乾燥天氣如何增加火災風險，以及與用火相關的責任和處罰。
دليل السلامة من حرائق الغابات | العربية
تعرّف باللغة العربية على كيفية زيادة الحرارة والرياح والجفاف من مخاطر الحرائق، وافهم المسؤوليات والعقوبات المرتبطة بمخالفات إشعال الحرائق.
Hướng Dẫn An Toàn Cháy Rừng | Tiếng Việt
Tìm hiểu bằng tiếng Việt cách thời tiết nóng, nhiều gió và khô hạn làm tăng nguy cơ cháy rừng, cũng như các trách nhiệm và hình phạt liên quan đến các hành vi gây cháy.
HELP SOLVE CRIME
Seen something risky? Tell us.
If you've seen behaviour that could start a bushfires, report it to Crime Stoppers 24/7 — anonymously, online or by phone. You choose how much you share.
Record what you can, only if it's safe to do so
Start your report online in minutes
Upload any photos or footage you have
Add details like time, place and a description
Report online anonymously in minutes with the Crime Stoppers Victoria's online reporting platform. Watch how