Between 2019 and 2024, there were 1010 recorded instances of lighting a fire during the Fire Danger Period, and 187 cases of lighting a fire on a Total Fire Ban day.
Echuca Fire Brigade first lieutenant Mark Hooper said the main concern locally was leaving campfires unattended, especially along the banks of the Murray River.
He said community members often came across abandoned campfires that were still burning, which could be potentially dangerous for weeks if not properly extinguished.
Mr Hooper said the CFA website’s Can I or Can’t I? guide was a valuable resource for restrictions on campfires and other fire-related activities during the FDP and TFB days.
Under the CFA Act, penalties for allowing an open-air fire to escape during a declared FDP can include fines of up to $23,710, 12 months imprisonment, or both.
Penalties under the act double if an escape occurs on a TFB day.
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said the statistics were worrying as illegal fires put lives, homes and emergency responders at risk.
“If you ignore fire restrictions, you could be facing serious legal repercussions and more importantly, you could be responsible for devastating losses,” he said.
“Victoria is already one of the most fire-prone regions in the world, so we certainly don’t need unnecessary challenges created by carelessness or deliberate acts.”
All municipalities in the state are currently in a declared FDP, meaning restrictions are in place due to the increased risk of fires.
Suspicious fire activity can be reported by calling 000 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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