Police strike force catch 54 alleged arsonists in 69 fires
They are the elite police strike force tasked with catching accused firebugs who are putting lives and homes at risk this bushfire season. And the number of alleged arsonists they have caught is quite staggering.
Local
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Arsonists and the NSW Police strike force trained to catch them are out in force this fire season, as catastrophic conditions put emergency services on high alert.
Strike Force Toronto Commander Stuart Smith revealed officers have caught 54 alleged arsonists relating to 69 fires since the extreme fire season began on August 1.
“This is a disturbing fact,” Commander Smith said. “We sit at the forefront of about 65 fires still rolling.
“There are worsening conditions ahead... and we will act on and support local area commands.”
Commander Smith said offences range from a $2200 fine for lighting an open fire to a 25-year sentence for lighting fires that endanger people’s lives or properties.
“We have specialist investigators in the arson unit,” he said. “There is 19 of them that are trained in wildfire.
“We have also run training for 40 other investigators this year.”
He said there was concern around arsonist behaviour during danger periods.
“The fuel load is high and the likelihood that the fire will get away is a probability,” Commander Smith said. “It is really no difference between reckless and deliberate act at this stage.”
Investigations into suspicious fires are being conducted by detectives from individual police area commands and police districts, with assistance from specialist officers attached to Strike Force Toronto.
Bushfires at Katoomba, Moonbi, Kanohooka and Hooka Creek Rd, South Turramurra, Loftus,
Rothbury and Muswellbrook, Inverell and Ebor, Awaba and Morrisett, Worrigee, Balgownie, Glenreagh, Tallong, Cowra, Congarinni and Carrai East, Lane Cove, and Pioneer Park are being investigated.