In its 16th year, Strike Force Vulcan is led by senior detectives from the WA Police Arson Squad and police officers seconded from within WA Police. Strike Force Vulcan detectives work in close collaboration with the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES), and Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA). DFES staff, all qualified bushfire investigators, will again be embedded within the WA Police Arson Squad office as part of the Strike Force Vulcan team.
Strike Force Vulcan detectives identify and monitor arsonists and deliver a rapid investigative response to deliberately lit bushfires. Using both covert and overt strategies, they investigate bushfires in the metropolitan area and, in partnership with regional police, examine suspicious bushfires state-wide to determine the cause and identify any suspects involved.
Detective Senior Sergeant Stephen Foley, Officer in Charge of the WA Police Arson Squad, said "Bushfires create great risk to the community and can destroy vast amounts of bushland, pastoral land, homes and in the worst-case result in the loss of lives.
"Strike Force Vulcan detectives in partnership with regional police will be investigating suspicious bushfires throughout the state. If a person causes a bushfire, Strike Force Vulcan detectives will do everything possible to identify and prosecute those responsible. Prosecutions can result in penalties up to 20 years imprisonment.
"Members of the public play a vital and important role in assisting Strike Force Vulcan detectives with their investigations by providing timely information on suspicious activity in a fire area. This helps to protect the community from the devastation that deliberately lit bushfires can cause. There are significant rewards of up to $25,000 on offer for information that leads to the identification and conviction of an arsonist."
Quotes attributable to Department of Fire and Emergency Services Deputy Commissioner Craig Waters AFSM:
"Last summer DFES responded to 460 bushfires across WA that were deemed suspicious or deliberately lit - this is an unacceptable number. Career and volunteer firefighters put their lives on the line to protect communities. They do not need the added risk of responding to bushfires that should never have started."
Quotes attributable to DBCA Manager Fire Management Services Stefan de Haan:
"Already this season, DBCA had attended multiple suspicious bushfires started in national parks and State forests that have had the potential to threaten lives and homes. The collaboration between DBCA, DFES and WA Police to determine how these bushfires start and hopefully prevent more from occurring is vital for community protection."
All Western Australians are urged to prepare their home and property for this bushfire season. For more information, visit emergency.wa.gov.au/prepare
• In a life-threatening emergency, including where smoke can be seen in bushland areas, call 000.
• To report suspicious activity call 131 444.
• Anyone with information regarding bushfires and arsonists is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online at www.crimestopperswa.com.au
