Police are appealing for witnesses following a deliberately lit fire on the state's South Coast.
Shortly after 5pm yesterday (Wednesday 12 September), emergency services were notified of a fire in the Worrigee Nature Reserve, near the Quinns Lane Entrance.
Members of the public stopped to extinguish the fire before being joined by the NSW Rural Fire Service and NSW Police Force.
More than 10 fires have been deliberately lit across the Shoalhaven region in the past month, prompting police to issue further warnings about the bushfire danger period.
As of 1 September 2019, 74 local government areas (LGAs) across the state have commenced the Bush Fire Danger Period, brought forward by the NSW Rural Fire Service due to the forecast of ongoing warm and dry conditions.
The NSW Police Force works closely alongside the NSW RFS and Fire and Rescue NSW in investigating deliberately lit blazes.
South Coast Police District Officer in Charge, Inspector Ray Stynes, said the role of the community in stopping these fires cannot be overstated.
"Information provided to police from members of the public can help us identify and suppress fire-bugs before they start lighting," Insp Stynes said.
"It's distressing to see so many fires being deliberately lit, particularly after a dry winter period.
"I want to urge members of the community – if you see something, say something. If you have suspicions at all and wish to report a crime, don't take the risk – contact police or Crime Stoppers."
Police are appealing for anyone with information to contact Nowra Police Station on (02) 4421 9699 or call Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police Force social media pages.
