SAPOL treating Monday’s Onkaparinga Hills fire as suspicious

Both SA fire authorities and the Premier have blasted a potential firebug as SAPOL treats Monday’s Onkaparinga Hills fire as suspicious.

• SA fire bans could send Christmas festivities into disarray

Authorities are investigating Monday’s fire in the Onkaparinga Hills which injured multiple firefighters, after reports it was deliberately lit.

Speaking to media on Tuesday, CFS Chief Officer Brett Loughlin said SAPOL were treating the fire as suspicious and that the CFS would be working closely with police to determine the cause.

Over 20 firefighters, fire bombers and two heli tankers were dispatched to help tackle the blaze that sparked around 4.50pm, on Education Rd.

CFS Chief Officer Brett Loughlin has announced that SAPOL are treating the Onkaparinga Hills fire as suspicious. Picture: Kelly Barnes

Mr Loughlin confirmed four firefighters suffered minor injuries bringing the blaze under control, with three fireys struck by falling tree branches and one rolling their ankle.

“It’s incredibly disappointing that we’ve had four firefighters who have been injured as a result of a fire that didn’t need to occur,” Mr Loughlin said.

“It’s the kind of thing that just makes us sick to the stomach.

“We’re very grateful that those injuries weren’t more serious and it highlights the inherent risks associated with firefighting and being in the emergency services more broadly.”

Premier Peter Malinauskas was even more direct.

“It beggars belief,” he said.

“One thing I know, is that if you act stupidly and belligerently and deliberately, SAPOL is likely to get you and the consequences will be severe.

“Courts have a strong track record of treating, and quite rightly, harshly people who deliberately light fires.

It comes as South Australian fire authorities announced fire bans across the Mount Lofty Ranges and West Coast District on Christmas Day.