A 31-year-old man from Collie has been formally charged with arson following an incident where he allegedly ignited multiple fires that consumed approximately 30 hectares of native vegetation in the area.
Details of the Alleged Arson Incident
According to police reports, the incident occurred on the evening of January 16, around 6:50 PM. The accused man allegedly walked into bushland located at the intersection of Patsone and Rowlands Roads, where he deliberately set fire to vegetation.
Authorities state that after lighting the initial blaze, the man proceeded to set another fire a short distance away, escalating the potential danger of the situation.
Emergency Response and Containment Efforts
Volunteer firefighters responded promptly to the scene and managed to extinguish the flames before they could spread to nearby properties, including the Western Power Collie depot. Their swift action prevented what could have been a much more devastating outcome.
The severity of the fires prompted emergency services to issue an official emergency warning to residents in the surrounding areas, highlighting the immediate threat to life and property.
Legal Proceedings and Potential Penalties
The accused Collie resident is scheduled to appear in court via video-link on Saturday, facing charges of wilfully lighting the bushfires. This offense carries a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment under Western Australian law.
A police spokeswoman emphasized the seriousness of arson offenses and the significant legal consequences that accompany such actions.
Community Call for Vigilance and Information
In the wake of the incident, authorities are urging the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity in bushland areas, tracks, or firebreaks. Police specifically mentioned that timely information is crucial for fire investigations.
Key points from the police appeal include:
- Report individuals acting suspiciously around bushland or fire-prone areas
- Notify authorities about vehicles in unusual locations
- Information helps protect lives, property, and natural resources
Rewards of up to $25,000 are available for information that leads to the identification and conviction of arsonists, underscoring the community's role in preventing such dangerous acts.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact that deliberately lit fires can have on communities, ecosystems, and emergency resources in regional Western Australia.
