POLICE want people in near Koroit to watch for suspicious activity as the first bout of hot weather arrives in the south-west for the season.
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Warrnambool Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Sean Halley said Tuesday’s total fire ban was rated a day of severe fire danger in the south-west region, with north winds predicted.
However, a westerly wind change about 10am ensured cooler weather and a reduced fire risk.
We need members of the public in the Koroit district to help, to be vigilant and report any suspicious vehicles...
- Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Sean Halley
"Over the previous three to four years, there have been a series of deliberately lit fires in the Koroit area by a person or persons unknown," Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Halley said.
"Police have investigated those fires and have been unable to, as yet, identify the offender or offenders.
"We need members of the public in the Koroit district to help, to be vigilant and report any suspicious vehicles in open spaces without good reason – especially those parked near dry grass or other flammables like hay stacks."
Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Halley said something as simple as a vehicle's registration plate number could be vital to police.
"Anyone who sees something which may even seem inconsequential should make a report to Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 – especially on days of hot weather," he said.
The Country Fire Authority has also issued a timely warning to residents to tidy their properties as a potentially long and hot summer looms.
Warrnambool Fire Brigade senior station officer Owen Maslen said most fire activity in the western region appeared to centre around the Lancefield, Ballarat and Daylesford areas on Tuesday.
There were small fires reported in Hotsput, Hamilton, Bessiebelle and Drumborg districts all before 2pm, which firefighters quickly contained.
Mr Maslen said the wind change in the south-west had lessened the threat considerably.
But he said a long range outlook for the summer fire danger season depended on rains between now and Christmas.