Ballarat Criminal Investigation Unit Detective Senior Constable Steven Murphy said police were continuing investigations into a number of fires at Nerrina and Marty Busch Reserve in Sebastopol.

The grass and scrub fires occurred on Friday, Saturday and Sunday during a high fire danger period.

While detectives could not disclose full details of the fires, Detective Senior Constable Murphy said they were suspicious and believed to be deliberately lit. 

He urged the public to notify police when coming across fires and any suspicious behaviour – including a particular person who may be of interest – by calling triple zero.

Members of the public have the option of remaining anonymous.

Detective Senior Constable Murphy confirmed the fires at the weekend were all reported by the public.

“If they are concerned about anybody or have any information on these fires over the weekend, we would urge them to contact Crime Stoppers,” he said. 

“We rely on the public for a lot of our information. If you know something, say something.”

Detective Senior Constable Murphy said the public could also help through raising awareness of the Juvenile Fire Awareness and Intervention Program. 

The program run by the Country Fire Authority is aimed at children who have engaged in fire lighting behaviour or considered to be a risk of this behaviour. 

“Any member of the public can contact the CFA or Ballarat Police for information,” Detective Senior Constable Murphy said.

He urged people to link the details to someone who might know children who could benefit from the program, even if they had not deliberately lit a fire in the past.  

Arson poses a major concern for police. Crime statistics released in December revealed offences had more than tripled in three years.

Acting Superintendent Zorka Dunstan said at the time the potential for devastation was enormous. 

Anyone with information on the fires at the weekend can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

For information on the juvenile intervention program visit cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/child-firelighting/.