Zero tolerance for bushfire arson in Vic

Victorian police are taking a zero tolerance approach to firebugs after an increase in deliberately-lit fires last bushfire season.

Acting Deputy Commissioner Jack Blayney said Operation Firesetter would be reactivated over the coming months in high-risk and arson-prone areas.

"We'll be monitoring persons of interest and any person responsible for starting an uncontrolled open air fire, no matter how small or large, will face the maximum penalty," Mr Blayney said.

Police want the public to be on the lookout for cigarette butt flickers, camp fires left burning and tools such as angle grinders being used on total fire ban days.

"Bushfire prevention is everyone's responsibility," Mr Blayney said.

Last summer police responded to 62 cases of intentionally lit bushfires across the state, 19 more than the previous fire season.

Bushfire Response Minister Kim Wells said the government would provide $1.2 million over four years for Crime Stoppers Victoria to continue its arson prevention initiatives.

"More than half of bush and grassfires in Victoria are deliberately lit or caused by reckless behaviour such as burning off or using tools such as welders and angle grinders on a day of total fire ban," Mr Wells said.

The maximum penalty for intentionally or recklessly causing a bushfire is 15 years jail and a $35,000 fine.