Police are urging parents to speak with their children about the dangers of playing with matches, after an out of control fire burnt almost 300 hectares of land in the state’s Northern Tablelands.
About 11am on Sunday (29 September 2019), it is alleged three young children were playing with matches at a property on the New England Highway near Tenterfield when a fire took hold.
Moderate to high winds caused the fire to spread quickly, threatening homes, livestock and other buildings.
Rural Fire Service units and several air units fought to contain the blaze which was brought under control some eight hours later.
Approximately 289 hectares of land was burnt, a holiday cottage destroyed, and a number of cattle killed.
Officers attached to New England Police District spoke with the three children, aged nine and 10, in the presence of a guardian.
Detective Inspector Matthew Hemsworth said the incident doubles as a timely reminder for parents to discuss match and lighter safety with their children.
“The consequences of kids playing with matches and lighters can be devastating; it puts people’s lives, property and livelihood at risk,” he said.
“Parents have a vital role to play in educating their children about fire safety to help ensure they don’t play with fire and potentially injure themselves or others.”
For further information, read the Fire + Rescue NSW factsheet on children and fire fascination: https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/page.php?id=307
