NSW police charge man after setting off fireworks and starting a fire

A man will face court today after being charged for allegedly setting off a firework which started a small fire in a South Sydney park last night.

About 10pm (Thursday 14 November 2019), police were called to Sydney Park at St Peters, following reports of a fire in bushland.

Officers from South Sydney Police Area Command arrived a short time later and were approached by members of the public, who had extinguished the fire and prevented a man from leaving the scene.

Police spoke with the 34-year-old man before searching his vehicle and seizing multiple cigarette lighters, and a variety of sparklers and fireworks.

Shortly after, detectives examined the fire scene, which was about 10 square metres, and located the remnants of a firework.

The St Ives man was arrested and taken to Mascot Police Station, where he was charged with cause or set fire to the property of another or Crown, fail to comply with total fire ban order, and handle explosive/precursor without authorising licence.

Police will allege in court that the man ignited the firework with the intention of causing a fire. Without the intervention of witnesses, the fire could have spread rapidly throughout the parkland.

He has been refused bail to appear at Central Local Court later today (Friday 15 November 2019).

Anyone who sees suspicious or illegal behaviour is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.

To keep up-to-date with major fire updates, please go to: https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/major-fire-updates or download the ‘Fires Near Me’ app: https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/fires-near-me

/Public Release. View in full here.