Police target known arsonists as danger season begins in parts of SA

Police are targeting known firebugs — including those still in jail and soon to be released — in a bid to prevent bushfires as the danger season begins.

South Australian police are turning up the heat on known arsonists in an operation aiming to stamp out bushfire threats.

As the fire danger season has begun in some parts of the state, officers from Operation Nomad will work to stop deliberate, reckless and negligent acts that have the potential to cause a bushfire.

Patrols will be deployed on total fire ban days — which includes severe, extreme and catastrophic fire danger ratings — throughout the season.

Acting Assistant Commissioner John Venditto said known arsonists would be a focus as well as preventing accidental bushfires that could be avoided, with police acting in an educative role.

There are currently 83 people of interest that SA Police will continue to monitor, including some currently in jail who may be released in coming months.

Operation Nomad will see police closely monitoring known arsonists in a bid to stop deliberately lit bushfires before they start. Picture: Russell Millard

“When the temperature rises and there are high risk areas, so does the police resources directed in those areas,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Venditto said.

“The public will see an overemphasis of police vehicles guided by the fire ban districts … (and) a lot of police activity as a deterrent and highly visible presence.”

After last summer’s tragic blazes, prosecutions commenced against 39 people, with one-third of those criminal charges, he said.

Penalties for lighting bushfires or maintaining a fire in the open range from one year behind bars plus a $5000 fine to 20 years imprisonment.

“Many fires which started last year were not criminally motivated and classified as non-suspicious – this can be anything from use of power tools or farming equipment when restrictions are in place, to parking a hot car on long grass during summer.”

Bushfire affected area outside Lobethal in the Adelaide Hills. Picture: Brad Crouch

To assist SA Police, 42 SES personnel will also be involved in the operation.

Police and Emergency Services Minister Vincent Tarzia said the paid volunteers strengthened police capability to detect firebugs.

“Bushfire prevention is a community effort and while SA Police will proactively monitor and detect risky and deliberate bushfire activity, we rely on the information for the public to keep our community safe,” Mr Tarzia said.

CFS members fighting bushfires in the Adelaide Hills.

As of November 1, the Fire Danger Season began in the Eastern Eyre Peninsula, Flinders, North East Pastoral, North West Pastoral and West Coast districts.

In the Lower Eyre Peninsula, Mid North, Murraylands, Riverland, Upper South East and Yorke Peninsula, the season will begin on November 15 while the Lower South East will begin on December 1.

A start date is yet to be announced for metropolitan Adelaide, Kangaroo Island and the Mount Lofty Ranges.

Anyone who sees anything suspicious or activity that increases the risk of bushfires should contact the police assistance line on 131 444 or to report anonymously, phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.