Detectives are continuing to investigate a series of suspicious bushfires which occurred at Tara in January to February 2023, causing more than $4 million in damage and significant environmental damage.
Detectives from the Crime and Intelligence Command, initially established Operation Uniform Ministry, to investigate suspicious fires in the Tara and Wieambilla areas, resulting in the arrest and charging of two men, in August, in relation to nine separate fires.
During this investigation, further information was obtained that a large bushfire at Tara on February 12, 2023, was also deliberately lit by different person/s who resided in the Tara area at the time.
The fire resulted in an emergency declaration under the Public Safety Preservation Act (PSPA) until February 14, with 45 residents evacuated.
This life-threatening bushfire burnt 917 hectares of land, impacting 20 properties, destroying 16 dwellings, 22 vehicles and 15 sheds.
Dozens of Queensland Fire and Emergency Services and Rural Fire Service crews were called to assist over three days, including aerial assets such as helicopters, planes and drones.
Operation Uniform Distribution was then established to investigate this suspicious fire.
Detectives, with assistance from fire investigators, have identified that the fire started on Timothy Road, on the morning of February 12, 2023.
At approximately 1.45pm on February 12, 2023, a triple 000 call was received regarding the bushfire on Timothy Road and Wallaby Track at Tara.
Detective Superintendent Craig McGrath said, “This fire was devastating to local families, the financial impact alone is significant, but the fire came very close to causing serious injury and destroyed land that is the livelihood for property owners in this community.”
“It is extremely fortunate no one was seriously hurt, or even killed, and we urge anyone who knows anything that could assist us in finding those responsible, to come forward. We are particularly interested to talk to the person who made the triple 000 call.”
Investigations remain ongoing.
Operation Ministry media release 1 (includes vision of evacuations on 12 February 2023): https://mypolice.qld.gov.au/news/2023/07/17/operation-victor-ministry-arson-investigation-tara-and-wieambilla/
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
