REDLAND City Council officers are on the lookout for firebugs after several suspicious bushfires.
Signs have also been put up at reserves, warning people about the consequences.
Mayor Karen Williams said summer was the peak time for suspected arson offences in conservation areas, with Scribbly Gums Reserve suffering from suspected arson offences in the past few months.
“We’ve had multiple incidents of fires in our nature reserves that we suspect may be deliberately lit,” she said.
“While offenders are likely to believe they won’t get caught and nobody will be affected, it’s important to remember that houses surround all our conservation areas and there is a real risk to lives and property with any fire.
“Arson is an extremely serious criminal matter and if and when anyone is caught for suspected arson, they will be immediately referred to the police.”
In addition to increasing patrols by, council had also put up signage to remind residents that security cameras may operate at any location throughout our reserves.
In August last year, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services released a scathing report on council fire preparedness, making 56 recommendations after Macleay and Russell island fires in late 2016.
The report found council had been slack in maintaining some areas and that many residents failed to undertake basic fire preparedness near homes.
If you see anything suspicious or fires being lit, take action.
- Remember the time and location where you see fires;
- Write down the description of any people acting suspiciously in the area where suspected arson has been happening, or any unusual activity;
- Write down the description of the vehicles entering or leaving the area about the time of fires; and
- Pass this information onto your local police or anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000
For more information to protect your home and community against deliberately lit fires, go to ruralfire.qld.gov.au, fire.qld.gov.au or phone 1800 369 003.
