While bushfires are an inevitable part of summer, police are reducing the risk of deliberately lit blazes by taking a proactive response.
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The NSW Police Force has created Strikeforce Tronto which commits to compiling profiles on people deemed to be high-risk in relation to potential bushfire arson.
Furthermore, they are working with the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) on a range of techniques and strategies to detect bushfire arsonists, which includes covert operations throughout the season.
A Cootamundra Local Area Command spokesperson confirmed there is one person they are watching closely this summer under Strikeforce Tronto.
NSW Police Property Crime Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Murray Chapman, said anyone caught deliberately lighting bushfires will be arrested and put before the court.
“Not only is deliberately lighting a bushfire illegal, it can be deadly; and police and fire fighters will be proactively targeting anyone who puts the safety of the community at risk this summer,” Det Supt Chapman said.
“There are thousands of volunteers – brave men and women – who risk their lives each year to keep the community safe from the ravages of bushfires, and the last thing they need is for someone to deliberately light a fire which endangers lives and property.”
While Police are working hard from their end, the South West Slopes Zone RFS is encouraging community members to be just as prepared ahead of the official Bushfire Danger Period start on Sunday, October 1.
South West Slopes Zone RFS district manager Andrew Dillon said a dry winter means an earlier start to the fire season, however it also means a reduced fuel load on the ground.
It is expected that unless significant rain eventuates, fires could be a problem as early as next month.
Mr Dillon said a lower fuel load means fires will run slower, however he warned that on a bad day, any fire has the potential to be a danger to life and/or property.
Already, the RFS has been conducting hazard reduction burns across the zone and in the next couple of weeks will focus on the Southern Railway Line in the Frampton area.
Mr Dillon said the railway line provides an important strategic break in the event of a fire.
This Saturday, Cootamundra residents will see the RFS in action when volunteers join with Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council to conduct a vegetation burn along Muttama Creek.
There is expected to be smoke from this burn close to town with residents advised to close windows and bring pets and outside items indoors if concerned.