A man has been charged over allegedly lighting a fire without a permit on a property in the state's south.
Just before 12pm on Thursday (26 December 2019), emergency services were called to a property in Araluen Road in Deua River Valley, about 18km north west of Moruya, following reports of a fire.
The fire quickly spread to the nearby Wandera State Forest and is continuing to burn through more than 40 hectares of bushland.
Following inquiries, officers from South Coast Police District attended the property on Araluen Road and spoke with a 71-year-old man about 11.30am yesterday (Friday 27 December 2019).
He was arrested and taken to Moruya Police Station, where he was charged with light fire for land clearance/fire break without permit/notice, and owner permit fire to escape land, cause damage.
The man was granted strict conditional bail and is due to appear at Moruya Local Court on Friday 10 January 2020.
For the latest advice and warnings on bushfires across NSW, monitor emergency websites, including www.rfs.nsw.gov.au. For information directly related to fire activity, contact the Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737.
Members of the community can visit www.livetraffic.com for information on road closures.
Anyone who sees suspicious or illegal behaviour should to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
