Published on Tuesday, 20 November 2018 at 1:27:33 PM
Community members are asked to stay vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour perpetrated by firebugs to the authorities.
Deliberate acts of arson are a serious offence which can carry heavy jail penalties, and put local lives at risk.
Over the weekend, Emergency Services, Town of Port Hedland Staff and volunteers acted swiftly and bravely to control a number of fires off the Great Northern Highway.
The Pilbara region has experienced extremely hot and dry conditions in recent weeks, intensifying the risk of large scale fires.
Mayor Camilo Blanco urged community members to act responsibly and report arsonists to the authorities.
“It is the height of criminality to deliberately light a fire, as the consequences to lives and livelihoods couldn’t be higher.
“There have been reports of suspicious behaviour in South Hedland in recent days, so my message to would be offenders is that we are on the lookout.”
Detective Sergeant Greg McDonald, Officer in Charge of South Hedland Detectives, said that fire bugs would be prosecuted.
“Our Police and Emergency Service resources are finite and are stretched across a large area: acts of arson put further pressure on these resources.
“I urge the community to take note of anything they see which is out of the ordinary, particularly the movement of people and vehicles in bush land.
“There is an ongoing $50,000 reward for information which leads to the conviction of a person for an arson related offence.
“Information can be anonymously provided to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
“My message is that people committing these acts will be found and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”
If you would like to access more information on fire safety, please visit the Department of Fire and Emergency Services’ website here.
For media information:
Laura Hawes
Manager Marketing Communication and Events
(08) 9158 9365 | lhawes@porthedland.wa.gov.au
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