A young person has been charged with deliberately lighting a fire on the state’s South Coast.
About 3.30pm yesterday (Thursday 30 January 2020), a 14-year-old boy was allegedly seen fanning grass in a paddock near the Princes Highway, Falls Creek.
Police have been told white smoke was seen moments later and several flames erupted, which were extinguished by members of the public.
Officers from South Coast Police District attended and spoke to the boy and his mother.
Following inquiries, the boy was arrested and taken to Nowra Police Station, where he was charged with intentionally cause fire and be reckless as to its spread.
The boy was granted strict conditional bail and is due to appear at a children’s court on 20 February 2020.
As weather conditions worsen towards the weekend, police are reminding the community to stay vigilant and report suspicious behaviour.
Anyone with information about activity in bushfire-affected communities is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
