POLICE have warned “fire tourists” to stay away from affected towns. Detective Sergeant Phil Jury, of Pakenham’s Criminal Investigation Unit (CIU), said unnecessary visits to fire-ravaged areas was inconsiderate and dangerous.
“Some people have been checked saying they are up there just to look at the fires,” he said.
“It’s just disgraceful really. Not only are they putting themselves at risk, they are also putting us at risk.
“We don’t want people up there who don’t belong there. We will have patrols in the area and if you are checked driving through, you can expect a visit from us soon.”
Police expressed disappointment at the number of people who tried to enter the Bunyip State Park on Saturday – during the height of the blaze – on recreational motorbikes. They put up road blocks.
“I can’t believe people would want to go out in that heat in the first place, but when there’s a fire as well – that’s just stupid.”
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