Australian bushfires: Cops and arson unit round up 24 alleged firestarters in NSW

Australian bushfires: Cops and arson unit round up 24 alleged firestarters in NSW

By Naveel Krishant
07/01/2020

New South Wales Police have caught 24 alleged firebugs accused of deliberately lighting bushfires in a catastrophic season that has so far killed 18 people in the Australian state.

Almost five million hectares have burned in NSW since September, destroying 1482 homes and killing hundreds of millions of animals and livestock.

Two dozen people have allegedly risked prison sentences of up to 25 years by choosing to light bushfires, despite the potential to kill and cause millions of dollars of damage.

Strike Force Tronto, made up of detectives from the Financial Crimes Squad's Arson Unit, have been working closely with local police forces to catch arsonists.

Shocking figures released by Strike Force Tronto also showed legal action had been taken against 47 people for allegedly discarding a lighted cigarette or match on land.

A further 53 people faced legal action for allegedly failing to comply with a total fire ban.

FEATURE NEWS
Have a righteous heart when leading – Ratu Tevita Mara
As iTaukei culture and tradition was on full display during the elaborate installation ceremony of the Tui Nayau, Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara, the hig...
6 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Damodar offers NFA extension to remain at Arts Village site until July 2026
Damodar Group CEO Div Damodar confirms that the National Fire Authority has been offered by Damodar Yatulau Pte Limited to remain on their property ...
5 hours ago

Increased police funding to target crime in red zone areas – Prof. Prasad
The increased funding for the Fiji Police Force will allow officers to target crime in red zone areas such as Suva, Nadi and Lautoka, especially ...
5 hours ago

FICAC says no comments on Chaudhry statement nor on any queries by MPs or wanna-be MPs
FICAC has today said that it will not be providing any comments on the statement issued by the Leader of the Fiji Labour Party, Mahendra Chaudhry, ...
5 hours ago

Taulope grateful to make his grandfather proud mixing the kava for Tui Nayau installation
Saiasi Taulope was emotional after the installation of Tui Nayau, Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara as he was chosen from his family to mix the traditional ...
5 hours ago

Minister for Sugar orders reactivation of cane rail system in Tavua
Following concerns raised by sugarcane farmers regarding the closure of the rail line between Lausa Loop and Tawatawa Point in Tavua, Minister for ...
5 hours ago



fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Tui Nayau and Tui Lau Installation
The ceremony for the installation of the Tui Nayau Sau ni Vanua o Lau will be held tomorrow, while the installation ceremony of the Tui Lau will be held in Tubou on Thursday.
1 day ago

CFL 40th Birthday
CFL’s 40th Anniversary celebrations to culminate with free concert at Albert Park on ...
4 days ago

Pacific Mini Games in Palau, 2025
Full coverage of Team Fiji's journey through the 2025 Palau Games.
6 days ago

TOP