Authorities suspect two South Turramurra bushfires were deliberately lit
Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward as authorities suspect that the two bushfires that hit South Turramurra on Tuesday were deliberately lit.
Hornsby
Don't miss out on the headlines from Hornsby. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Emergency warning issued as fires threaten homes in South Turramurra
- Full list of bushfire school closures
A crime scene has been set up in South Turramurra as police investigate whether the bushfires that swept through the area on Tuesday were deliberately lit.
Houses on Canoon Rd and Barwon Ave were evacuated at about 4.30pm after two fires broke out in the leafy north shore suburb.
Although both blazes were extinguished before any properties were damaged, the emergency situation drew much-needed resources from other uncontained fires throughout the state.
Hornsby Rural Fire brigade station office Graeme Watson said the fires made a tough day a lot more difficult for local crews.
“It was a bit of a difficult situation. One of our tankers was helping out at the fires up at Colo and we were getting a lot of calls about non-fires with people worried about the smoke,” Mr Watson said.
“Luckily the planes waterbombing were a big help in getting them under control but it really shows just how fast a fire can move.
“Our advice is that unless you can see flame, it’s best to just wait and act and pay attention to the Fires Near Me app.”
Mr Watson praised the community spirit that was on show throughout the day.
“The community really came together, rallying around each other and making sure their neighbours were ok,” he said.
“We also had plenty of people coming to us and asking what they can do to help out as well as bringing food and water. We were really blown away by that.”
NSW Rural Fire Service commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said Tuesday that anyone found guilty of intentionally lighting the fires deserves “the whole weight of the law thrown against them.”
“We are treating this as suspicious and if it’s been deliberately lit then it’s a heinous crime and those that are the perpetrators of such a thing deserve to spend some time behind bars,” Mr Fitzsimmons said.
“You can spend a long time in jail for lighting fires at any time, let alone on a total fire ban day and under some of what can only be described as the worst possible conditions forecast in a highly populated area like Sydney.”
Police are appealing for any witnesses to the fires at South Turramurra to Hornsby Police Detectives 9476 9799 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
They also want to speak with anyone who has dashcam or CCTV footage of Canoon Rd, Field of Mars Ave or surrounding streets.