Sydney Parklands, Doonisde fire: Cops issue warning ahead of bushfire season

Cops fear multiple arsonists are at large in western Sydney and have released CCTV in a bid to take them down before they kill someone.

Cops have released CCTV in a bid to take down arsonists ahead of the bushfire season.

Police are looking into 29 suspicious fires in Sydney’s west over the past two years, including most recently a fire in Doonside on Tuesday.

Last month, Strike Force Tronto was tasked with investigating numerous fires in Western Sydney, between May 2020 and July 2021.

The fires at Doonside, Dean Park, Quakers Hill, Glendenning, Kemps Creek, Rooty Hill and Horsley Park are all believed to have been deliberately lit.

The site of the Western Sydney Parklands fire is investigated for clues. Picture: NSW Police

The most recent incident to come under investigation was a fire at Western Sydney Parklands on Knox Road Doonside on Tuesday which caused damage to 1.3 hectares of bushland.

As part of the investigation, police have released CCTV footage of a man who they say may be able to assist with their inquiries.

He was seen walking south on Quakers Hills Parkway, Doonside, about 2.50am on the same day.

Police release CCTV footage of a man who may assist them. Picture: NSW Police

Anyone with information about the identity of the man is urged to come forward.

Detective Chief Inspector Richard Puffett, Investigations Co-ordinator at the Arson Unit, said it was vital action was taken ahead of the bushfire season.

“Fires like we saw at Doonside this week can escalate quickly and move into a situation where property – and human lives – can be put in jeopardy,” he said.

“We have detected what we believe to be liquid accelerant at that scene.

“You only have to see the footage to see the potential for it to rip through the parklands.

“It’s mind blowing that these people have short memories.

“It is only two years ago we experienced the worst bushfires in the country’s history in Black Summer and we are seeing the weather warm up as we speak.

“So we are very keen to get hold of these offenders and put them in front of the courts as soon as possible.

Damage of the Doonside Parklands fire. Picture: NSW Police

“We encourage anyone with information about these fires to come forward and it will be treated in the strictest of confidence.”

He added: “During the recent unprecedented ‘Black Summer’ bushfire season, we developed a state-of-the-art digital data search and mapping system that utilises a range of sources and agency information to detect bushfire arsonists.”

Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.