South Australia Police (SAPOL) will monitor people considered at risk of starting bushfires this summer through Operation Nomad, with the Fire Danger Season now launched state-wide.
SAPOL continues to work with other agencies to reduce and prevent deliberate, reckless and negligent acts that may cause bushfires, by increasing police patrols through high-risk bushfire areas and monitoring would-be arsonists.
Last year police investigated 53 suspicious fires. Of those, 26 were determined to be deliberately lit, with four people arrested for those fires and seven people reported. A total of 30 fines and 12 cautions were issued, mostly related to the lighting or maintaining a fire during the Fire Danger Season.
Throughout the season, officers will regularly visit those identified as being a high or significant risk, especially on days of extreme or catastrophic fire danger rating.
Chief Superintendent John De Candia said every year South Australians face the unnecessary risk of purposely lit fires, or those sparked out of negligence.
“SAPOL has a responsibility to help prevent bushfires to ensure community safety. This includes educating the community to reduce risky behaviours during the Fire Danger Season,” Chief Superintendent De Candia said.
“With the community’s help we can decrease the number of fires in order to save lives and property.
“Many fires which started last year were caused by power tools, occurred on rural properties or were a result of reckless or negligent behaviours. To help reduce the incidents of bushfires, it is important for the community to have awareness of prevention strategies and to report any signs of fires or suspicious behaviours.”
South Australians are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the Australian Fire Danger Rating System released by the South Australia Country Fire Service (CFS).
Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Correctional Services, Joe Szakacs, said preparing for bushfires is a shared responsibility for all South Australians.
“Bushfires can happen at any time of the year, and it is everyone’s responsibility to prepare for bushfires, irrespective of the Fire Ban District they live in, work at, or are likely to visit this summer,” Minister Szakacs said.
“I encourage all residents, workers and visitors to any of South Australia’s 15 Fire Ban Districts to help reduce their risk by developing a Bushfire Survival Plan.
“In addition, SAPOL, CFS and our government are ensuring as many eyes as possible are watching over firebugs this summer through direct, targeted and purposeful policing.”
CFS Chief Officer Brett Loughlin AFSM said early intervention is critical to stopping bushfires from taking hold and causing unnecessary heartache to South Australians.
“We need to come together as a community to ensure any suspicious or dangerous activity is reported to police,” he said.
“Bushfires can start in an instant. Let’s make sure we are doing everything we can this Fire Danger Season to protect and prevent them from threatening lives, property and the environment.”
Arson attempts or suspicious activity may be reported on the police assistance line 131 444, through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online: www.sa.crimestoppers.com.au
If you see a fire that may threaten life, call 000 immediately.
