Victoria Police are currently investigating three separate grass fires that are believed to have been caused by illegal fireworks. This comes after over 280 firework-related incidents were reported on Tuesday, leading police to issue a warning against the use of illegal fireworks. The incidents occurred just a week after a 19-year-old was killed by a firework and a 30-year-old woman sustained serious injuries in two separate incidents on Christmas Day. The dangers of setting off illegal fireworks were highlighted by the incidents, with the potential for serious injury, death, bushfires, and property damage.
The first grass fire was reported in Glenroy, located in Melbourne’s north, around 4:30pm on Tuesday. Upon arrival, emergency services found remnants of fireworks at the scene. Later that evening, another grass fire broke out in a paddock in Kurunjang, in Melbourne’s west, with witnesses reporting that four individuals had been setting off fireworks in the area. Additionally, residents in Greenvale, in Melbourne’s north, reported hearing fireworks before another grass fire was discovered in the area. While no injuries were reported in these incidents, the potential for harm and the risk of fires caused by fireworks was emphasized by Victoria Police.
CFA chief officer, Jason Heffernan, highlighted the dangers associated with the unauthorized use of fireworks, flares, and similar items. He stated that in the previous financial year, there had been 50 incidents related to unauthorized fireworks use in Victoria, with over half resulting in fires. Given the current fire activity and the risk of bushfires across the state, Heffernan stressed the importance of remaining vigilant and avoiding behaviors that could potentially spark fires. The statistics from Monash University’s Victorian Injury Surveillance Unit revealed that 244 individuals had presented at the state’s hospital emergency departments with fireworks-related injuries over the past ten years leading up to June 2023.
The incidents involving illegal fireworks on New Year’s Eve serve as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with the improper use of fireworks. The tragic death of a 19-year-old and the serious injuries sustained by a 30-year-old woman on Christmas Day underscore the potential risks and consequences of mishandling fireworks. In addition to the immediate threat of injury or death, the use of illegal fireworks can also lead to property damage, bushfires, and other hazards. The response by emergency services and law enforcement highlights the importance of enforcing regulations and educating the public on the safe and legal use of fireworks.
As authorities continue to investigate the grass fires believed to be caused by illegal fireworks, the broader issue of firework-related incidents and injuries in Victoria comes to the forefront. The significant number of reported incidents and injuries related to unauthorized fireworks use underscores the need for increased awareness and enforcement of laws governing fireworks. By highlighting the risks and consequences associated with illegal fireworks, authorities aim to prevent further incidents and protect the safety of the community. The collaboration between law enforcement, emergency services, and public health agencies is essential in addressing firework-related issues and ensuring public safety during festive occasions.
In light of the recent incidents and the ongoing investigation into the grass fires caused by illegal fireworks, Victoria Police and other relevant agencies will likely intensify efforts to crack down on the unauthorized use of fireworks. Public education campaigns, enforcement of existing laws, and coordination between various agencies will be crucial in preventing future incidents and injuries related to fireworks. By promoting responsible behavior and emphasizing the dangers of misusing fireworks, authorities seek to reduce the risks associated with firework-related activities and ensure a safe environment for all members of the community. The incidents on New Year’s Eve serve as a sobering reminder of the potential dangers posed by fireworks and the importance of adhering to regulations to prevent harm and protect public safety.
