SA Police to monitor more than 200 fire bugs during danger season
South Australia Police say they will be monitoring more than 200 suspected fire bugs during the upcoming fire danger season.
The Country Fire Service [CFS] brought forward the start of the season in eight districts and has warned the state faces an increased fire threat this year.
Assistant Commissioner Linda Williams said police had a profile on each person of interest and patrols were already on the look-out during fire ban days.
"We also take a very proactive approach with people we know are persons of interest to us and we will be spending a significant amount of time actively monitoring them throughout the season," she said.
"We have a significant amount of resources and different tactics that we'd utilise towards the persons of interest.
"We have personal contact with them at regular times and on the days of extreme fire danger we will visit those persons of high and significant risk every single day."
Assistant Commissioner Williams said arsonists would often "practise" setting fires to perfect their fire starting techniques.
She asked anyone who may notice any suspicious activity to contact police.
"So we'd ask people if they are out in parks or bushland area and they see small burnt areas that are perhaps indicators that someone has been practising to light fires and they're concerned, to report that suspicious behaviour to us," she said
Bushfire action week launched
South Australians were asked to be ready and share the responsibility to deal with bushfires today when Bushfire Action Week was launched by Emergency Services Minister Tony Piccolo.
He said there were at least 150 towns and communities in South Australia that are in bushfire prone areas, in addition to 35 suburbs in Adelaide's fringe areas.
"Our research shows that half of the people who live in high risk areas aren’t even aware of the threat that bushfires pose to them and their families," Mr Piccolo said.
He urged residents to assist the CFS during the bushfire season by preparing a bushfire survival plan, and making sure dry vegetation is kept at least 20 metres away from houses and buildings.
CFS chief officer Greg Nettleton said another central theme for this year's campaign was The Ultimate Firefighter.
"We want to demonstrate that the humble lawnmower or grass trimmer and even a battery powered radio are some simple items that could ultimately prevent you from dealing with a fire on your doorstep," Mr Nettleton said.
