$500 fines an instant deterrence for fire starters
Hundreds of fines are being issued to people being irresponsible with fire and power tools this bushfire season.
Law and Order
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- Police tracking of bushfire starters begins
- Total fire ban Tuesday ahead of serious fire threat on Wednesday
Hundreds of irresponsible people are being caught by police and councils for flouting bushfire safety laws.
SA Police has promised zero tolerance for those caught knowingly or accidentally risking life and property this summer.
While arson carries a maximum jail term of 20 years, figures released by police show during the last fire season 322 people were caught for a range of other offences and fined up to $500 on the spot.
Another 180 people were issued with warnings.
Assistant Commissioner Noel Bamford said anyone who saw anything suspicious should report it to police.
“For those people who think they can get away with using power tools, welders and other dangerous items on fire ban days, you can expect an on-the-spot fine of $375,’’ he said.
“For the small group of people who think it is OK to throw a cigarette butt out of their car window, you can expect a fine of $560. But please do not expect any leniency from the police.”
Police are monitoring 81 arsonists this summer and will also be on alert for other dangerous offences.
In the first four months of this financial year – even before the fire season started in November – 35 people were fined for these offences, while 31 were warned.
Adelaide City Council spokeswoman Vanessa Godden said councils were also contributing to the police crackdown.
“Councils can also investigate and deal with litter of any kind which is thrown or falls from a vehicle, through powers conveyed in the Local Nuisance and Litter Control Act,’’ she said.
Ms Godden said the Environment Protection Authority had also used a “dob in a litterer” mobile app to help fight firebugs, but it was disabled in September 2018 as part of a $650,000 State Budget cut.
“Over the 18 months the app was active, 1937 reports were received, 78 per cent of which related to cigarette butts being thrown from vehicles,’’ she said. “And 1175 expiation notices were used over the same period.”
CFS chief officer Mark Jones urged any members of the public with fire safety information to contact the police hotline 131 444.
“Deliberately or negligently lighting fires that endanger lives or property within our community is a despicable act,’’ he said.
Police Minister Corey Wingard backed zero tolerance for firebugs.
“We know from the weather bureau we will have a tough summer and the warning is there for anyone thinking of lighting a fire, police will be after you,’’ he said.
For details about the fire danger season, visit cfs.sa.gov.au.