Three teenage boys have been charged after allegedly lighting a fire during a total fire ban in the Blue Mountains yesterday, NSW Police say.
Police were told a group of teenagers had built a fire at the base of a cliff near Wattlecliffe Drive at Blaxland about 4pm (Wednesday 15 August 2018), when they were challenged by local residents.
The teens attempted to smother the blaze; however, it spread and firefighters from Fire & Rescue NSW were called to extinguish it before it spread into bushland.
Officers from Blue Mountains Police Area Command were alerted and arrested three boys, all aged 16, at the scene.
They were taken to Springwood Police Station where they were each charged with intentionally light fire and be reckless to its spread.
They were granted conditional bail to appear in a Children’s Court on Thursday 6 September 2018.
Inquiries are ongoing.
Police are reminding members of the public to check with the NSW Rural Fire Service before lighting fires as Total Fire Bans may be in place.
