Mandurah has seen a significant decrease in suspicious or deliberately lit fires this summer compared to last, according to the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES).
DFES reported 21 fires between December 1, 2016 to February 11, 2017, that they deemed as either suspicious or deliberately lit.
That’s a big jump from this summer, with only 12 fires deemed suspicious or deliberately lit within the City of Mandurah’s boundary, across the same time period.
From December 1, 2017 to February, 11 2018 six fires in the Shire of Murray were deemed suspicious or deliberately lit, a jump from four the previous summer.
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DFES metropolitan south coastal superintendent Paul Heal said the department needed the community’s help to reduce the number of preventable and, in some cases, deliberate fires.
“Your help in reporting an arsonist may stop the next major bushfire from starting,” he said.
Fires deemed suspicious or deliberately lit by DFES aren’t necessarily report as so by WA Police.
In an effort to stamp out arson during the bushfire season, police urge the community to report potential firebugs.
Their a team of police officers with arsonists in their sights called Strike Force Vulcan investigates any reports of suspicions during the summer months.
If you see any suspicious behaviour report it to Police Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
For more information on how to prepare for and respond to bushfires visit emergency.wa.gov.au.
