As the Fire Danger Season begins in some parts of the state, South Australia Police are focusing their efforts on our response to the threat of bushfires through Operation NOMAD.
Operation NOMAD is a focus on deliberate, reckless and negligent acts that may cause a bushfire. Patrols are deployed on total fire ban days (this includes severe, extreme and catastrophic fire danger ratings) throughout the season. These patrols are not only proactively detecting risky and deliberate behaviour they are also a source of education for the community to reduce the risk of a bushfire.
Acting Assistant Commissioner John Venditto said this operation focuses on known arsonists within our community, but also has a strong focus on preventing those bushfires which are started accidentally and can be avoided.
“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.”
Last year there were 39 people apprehended for a range of offences, and 170 fines issued. Fines mostly related to the lighting or maintaining a fire during the fire danger season and dropping or throwing a burning object or material from a vehicle (these generally relate to cigarettes discarded from car windows).
Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Correctional Services Vincent Tarzia said 42 SES personnel are supporting SAPOL with Operation Nomad this year.
“These paid volunteers have strengthened SAPOL’s capability to detect firebugs during Operation Nomad,” Minister Tarzia said.
“Whether bushfires are deliberately lit, or accidental, we must do all do what we can to protect lives and protect property.”
“Police will continue to monitor the 83 persons of interest during this year’s fire danger season, this includes those currently incarcerated who may be released in coming months,” said A/AC Venditto.
“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.”
If you see anything suspicious or activity that increase the risk of bushfire, you should contact the police assistance line on 131 444 or to report anonymously, phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Helpful details to provide police include the location and people involved descriptions of those present, any vehicle details and anything else that may assist the responding patrol or our investigators.
