South Australia Police are focusing efforts on the response to bushfire threats through Operation Nomad as the Fire Danger Season begins in some parts of the state.
Operation Nomad focuses on deliberate, reckless and negligent acts that may cause a bushfire. Police patrols will be deployed on total fire ban days (this includes extreme and catastrophic fire danger ratings) throughout the season.
Acting Assistant Commissioner John De Candia said police on the ground will be supported by Polair from above.
“They will not only be proactively patrolling high risk bushfire areas of the community, but will also provide education to the community about risky behaviours in order to prevent a bushfire” Acting Assistant Commissioner De Candia said.
South Australia Police will continue to actively work with the community to prevent bushfires and prepare the community in the event of bushfires.
Police will be monitoring persons of interest throughout the season. This includes those currently incarcerated who may be released in coming months.
Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Correctional Services, Joe Szakacs, said Operation Nomad allows police to actively monitor those that might threaten community safety.
“SAPOL, CFS and our government are ensuring as many eyes as possible are watching over firebugs this summer through direct, targeted and purposeful policing.
“In addition to targeted policing to watch over firebugs this summer, the Malinauskas Government has introduced important laws that will allow police to better monitor the movements of convicted firebugs, fulfilling an election commitment in the process.”
“Bushfires, whether they’re lit intentionally or accidentally, have devastating consequences, and we must do all we can to keep South Australians safe.”
Last year police investigated 58 suspicious Operation Nomad fire incidents. Of those, 21 were determined to be deliberately lit with six people arrested for those fires and four people reported. A total of 23 fines were issued, mostly related to the lighting or maintaining a fire during the Fire Danger Season.
“SAPOL has a responsibility and obligation to help prevent bushfires to ensure community safety. This includes educating the community to reduce reckless or negligent behaviours during the Fire Danger season. With the community’s help we can decrease the number and potential severity of fires in order to save lives and property. Many fires which started last year caused by power tools, occurred on rural properties or were a result of reckless or negligent behaviours. To help reduce the incidents of bushfires, it is important for the community to have awareness of prevention strategies and to report any signs of fires or suspicious behaviours” Acting Assistant Commissioner John De Candia said.
CFS Deputy Chief Officer Georgie Cornish said out of control bushfires have the potential to destroy life and property and can have lasting effects on communities.
“Each year our volunteer firefighters protect our communities from bushfires, and you can help them by reporting dangerous activities you may see during the Fire Danger Season to Operation Nomad. It only takes the smallest spark to start a catastrophic bushfire.”
If you see anything suspicious or activity that increase the risk of a bushfire, you should contact the police assistance line on 131 444 or to report anonymously, phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Helpful details to provide police include the location and people involved descriptions of those present, any vehicle details and anything else that may assist the responding patrol or our investigators.
If you’re in doubt about what you can do during the Fire Danger Season, check the CFS website for guidelines –
