The annual campaign against firebugs seeking to start bushfires has been launched by the Western Australia Police Force.
Speaking at the scene of last year’s several deliberately-lit fires in Kings Park, Minister for Police, Paul Papalia said Strike Force Vulcan would operate seven days a week over the duration of the bushfire season.
“Officers will carry out proactive patrols of bushfire hot spots, maintaining overt and covert surveillance on known firebugs,” Mr Papalia said.
“In the event of a bushfire outbreak, Strike Force Vulcan officers will be given special priority clearance on the roads to provide a rapid response and maximise investigative opportunities,” he said.
Mr Papalia said there were serious penalties for deliberately lighting a bushfire, including life imprisonment if property was damaged or destroyed.
“Summer is always a busy time for our firefighters and the last thing they need is lives and properties put at risk because of the reckless actions of arsonists,” he said.
“Bushfires are devastating, affect the community and can tie up valuable resources.
“Our police will be watching, but we also need the community to be the eyes and ears in the suburbs and report any suspicious activity.”
Minister for Emergency Services, Reece Whitby said career and volunteer firefighters did a terrific job protecting the State, but their work was tough enough without battling deliberately-lit fires.
“This is dangerous criminal behaviour that can destroy whole communities,” Mr Whitby said.
“The ripple effect from a catastrophic bushfire can last for years,” he said.
“I would urge anybody who sees anything suspicious or who has any information that could help catch an arsonist to contact police,” Mr Whitby said.
Strike Force Vulcan will operate from November to April.
