August 20, 2015
Firefighters are urging South Burnett residents to keep a watch out for arsonists, especially as the bushfire season approaches.
Rural Fire Service Queensland North Coast Regional Manager Peter Hollier said bushfire arson was a matter of concern for the entire community and firefighters needed the community’s help to detect arsonists.
“Bushfire arson is a crime and a major threat to all Queenslanders. Every year thousands of acres of land are burned due to firebugs,” Mr Hollier said.
“Up to 50 per cent of bushfires in Australia are deliberately lit or start in suspicious circumstances.”
Mr Hollier said all Queenslanders had an important role to play.
“When a fire starts, be alert and take notice of any people loitering around bushland reserves, along with cars or bikes in the area so you can describe what you see to the authorities,” he said.
“Write this information down, take photos and report it to emergency services. You can report suspicious behaviour anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers on 1800-333-000 or lodging an online information report.
“Our message to the community is simple: if you see something, or know something, say something.
“There are heavy penalties for people convicted of arson.”
