‘Criminal investigation’: Cops reveal cause of bushfire that cut off 100 campers in Cape Otway, Victoria

Police have launched a criminal investigation after a bushfire cut off about 100 campers and forced more to evacuate in Victoria’s south this week. A bushfire burnt through close to 14 hectares after it broke out at Blanket Bay Rd and Red Hill Track in Cape Otway at about 2.20am Wednesday. Those at the nearby Blanket Bay campground were told at the time that it was not safe to return or leave the site, and Forest Fire Management (FFM) Victoria chief fire officer Chris Hardman told ABC Radio Melbourne that dozens of campers had been cut off by the fire. “We’ve actually got about 100 campers at Blanket Bay campground that are isolated,” Mr Hardman said on Wednesday morning. “It’s just not safe to get them out at the moment.” Mr Hardman said the stranded campers were “very safe” where they were. More than 150 people from campsites in the Blanket Bay area were evacuated, while drop-in centres were opened at Apollo Bay Community Hall and Apollo Bay Youth Hall for the campers. No one was injured and the fire was under control as of about 9am on Wednesday. Investigators from the FFM, Colac Crime Investigation Unit and the Arson and Explosives Squad later found the fire was allegedly caused by an unattended campfire that appeared to have been left unextinguished. A Victoria Police spokesperson said the bushfire was now being treated as a criminal investigation. “Detectives from Colac CIU are appealing for any witnesses,” they said. Anyone in the Blanket Bay vicinity on January 8 with information or footage has been urged to come forward. The incident has prompted police to issue a reminder of the dangers of recklessly lit fires, with the maximum penalty for anyone found guilty of recklessly or intentionally causing a bushfire being up to 15 years’ jail. “Police are reminding campers that a recklessly lit fire can have the same outcome as a deliberately lit fire, including significant loss of life, serious injury and property damage,” the spokesperson said. “Recklessly lit fires can include things like disobeying restrictions relating to Total Fire Bans or fire danger periods, leaving campfires unattended, or using machinery during hot weather. “Police will investigate and take action to catch those responsible when a fire is deemed suspicious, whether it was a deliberate or reckless action.”