Alleged Arsonist in Custody After Petrol Fire at Canberra Emergency Centre
A man has been taken into custody following a dramatic incident at a joint emergency services centre in Canberra's northern suburbs. According to police reports, the 40-year-old individual entered the foyer of the Gungahlin facility and deliberately poured a jerry can of petrol onto the floor before igniting the flammable liquid.
Court Appearance and Mental Health Assessment
The alleged arsonist faced the ACT Magistrates Court on Friday, January 23, just one day after the dangerous incident that endangered emergency personnel. However, the court proceedings were brief, with Magistrate Jane Campbell ordering the man to undergo assessment at a mental health hospital before any bail determination could be made.
Legal Aid lawyer Eimear Silk represented the accused, expressing concerns about potential impacts on his business and employment if he remained in custody. "Ms Silk described her client's work as a protective factor in the community," noting that as a sub-contractor, extended detention could jeopardise his livelihood.
Incident Details and Emergency Response
ACT Policing provided detailed accounts of the Thursday evening incident that unfolded around 5pm on January 22. The suspect allegedly:
- Entered the Gungahlin emergency services centre foyer carrying a jerry can of petrol
- Poured the flammable liquid across the station floor
- Threw the container into the building before igniting the fuel
- Fled the scene in a vehicle immediately afterward
Emergency personnel, including officers and firefighters already present at the centre, quickly extinguished the flames. Fortunately, no members of the public were in the station during the incident, and there were no reported injuries among staff or responders.
Investigation and Community Impact
The man was arrested later on Thursday evening in Franklin after authorities reportedly identified him through CCTV footage. The incident has temporarily affected police services in Canberra's northern region, with the Gungahlin police station closed for repairs following the fire damage.
ACT Policing announced via social media that residents needing to attend a police station should visit either Belconnen or City Police Stations while repairs are completed. Authorities expressed hope that the Gungahlin facility would reopen to the public within coming days.
Magistrate Campbell emphasised the seriousness of the allegations while explaining her decision to prioritise mental health assessment. "I'm not a medical practitioner ... I have to really rely on the experts," she stated, referencing recommendations from medical professionals regarding the accused's immediate needs.
The case continues to develop as authorities balance legal proceedings with considerations for the accused's mental wellbeing and the community's safety concerns.
