Police are turning to the community for assistance as investigations begin into several bushfires suspected of being deliberately lit during yesterday's state-wide total fire ban.
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State Emergency Operations Controller (SEOCON), Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys APM, praised the community for working together and supporting each other so positively.
"It has been heartening to see the community working together as we experienced catastrophic fire conditions over the past few days," Deputy Commissioner Worboys said.
"Now we need help from the community again - this time to assist our detectives who are beginning investigations into the cause of fires suspected of being deliberately lit across several police area commands and police districts," Deputy Commissioner Worboys said.
As investigations continue, police are urging anyone who may have seen anything suspicious or has information about the following fires from yesterday to contact the relevant police station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000;
Inquiries are being conducted by investigators from individual PACs and PDs, assisted by specialist officers attached to Strike Force Tronto and the Rural Fire Service.
The State Crime Command's Arson Unit established Strike Force Tronto 2001 to investigate suspicious or deliberately-lit bushfires which lead to death, serious injury or significant property loss.
Deputy Commissioner Worboys said that it was disappointing that the actions of a few had the potential to impact negatively on the rest of the community.
"The vast majority of people really banded together and supported each other during a time of catastrophic danger. It's unacceptable that the actions of these few individuals endangered the lives and property of others, either intentionally or through ignorance.
"Moving forward into the bushfire season, and as police investigate these offences, we would urge the community to keep up the good work and continue to provide assistance where possible", Deputy Commissioner Worboys said.
Please note the important contact information during NSW Bush Fires below:
All persons residing within the areas affected by bush fires are reminded to register online with Register Find Reunite: https://register.redcross.org.au
If you require information about the current bush fires, please call the Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737.
For general information and assistance please call the Public Information Inquiry Centre on 1800 227 228.
Stay up to date with all fire activity by monitoring https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au
Listen to your local radio stations, and monitor the NSW Police Facebook site https://www.facebook.com/nswpoliceforce/.
