Launceston CIB has charged a 35‑year‑old Launceston man with two counts of unlawfully setting fire to property following an investigation into several deliberately lit scrub fires in the Cataract Gorge area.
Police will allege the man deliberately lit two separate vegetation fires in the Gorge between 1 January and 5 March 2026.
These charges are the result of coordinated work by a multi‑agency taskforce involving Tasmania Police, the Tasmania Fire Service, the Environment Protection Authority and the Launceston City Council. The taskforce implemented targeted initiatives at the beginning of the fire season and continues to investigate suspicious fires across the Launceston area.
The man will next appear in the Launceston Magistrates Court on 29 April 2026.
Anyone who witnesses illegal or antisocial behaviours is asked to contact police on 131 444 or Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers Tasmania at crimestopperstas.com.au or on 1800 333 000.
