A bushfire triggered by an unattended campfire at Cape Otway in Victoria forced the evacuation of over 150 people. Police launched a criminal investigation, warning those responsible could face severe penalties.
A bushfire that left about 100 people stranded on a Victoria n beach was sparked by a reckless decision to leave a campfire unattended. Police said on Thursday that a criminal investigation had been launched into Wednesday’s blaze at Cape Otway in the state’s south-west, after investigators pinpointed the campfire as the cause.The bushfire – which took firefighters almost seven hours to bring under control after it ignited at Blanket Bay Road and Red Hill Track about 2.
20am on Wednesday – tore through about 14 hectares.Police said the bushfire forced the evacuation of a total of more than 150 people from nearby campsites, with many fleeing to Apollo Bay’s community and youth halls. Some hikers on the Great Ocean Walk were evacuated to Cape Otway Lightstation. Nobody was injured in the fire, but Detective Inspector Karl Curran slammed those responsible and said they would be charged if found. “This is an example of reckless conduct which could have had catastrophic consequences,” Curran said. “This unattended campfire has led to a significant response from emergency services, involving major evacuations of other campers.” Evacuation orders were issued just before 3am on Wednesday, but by 7am escape routes were cut off by the blaze, and holidaymakers and residents in the area were told to find shelter as it was too late to leave.Anyone found guilty of recklessly or intentionally causing a bushfire faces up to 15 years in prison, police said. Arson and explosives squad Detective Inspector Chris Murray said the Cape Otway bushfire should serve as a reminder to the community: “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 often the same,” Murray said. “If you are going to be lighting a fire or engaging in any activities that could lead to a fire starting, consider that if it gets away from you, you could be held criminally responsible.
Bushfire Victoria Cape Otway Campfire Evacuation
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