Volunteer firefighter charged over alleged deliberately-lit fires
The fires took place in the Hunter region in July and August this year.
A volunteer firefighter has been charged with allegedly lighting a number of bushfires in the Hunter region of New South Wales.
The 18-year-old was arrested at a home in Aberglasslyn at about 8.20am yesterday.
He was charged with 15 offences, including 13 counts of intentionally causing fire and being reckless as to its spread.
He was refused bail and will appear in Maitland Local Court today.
Police will allege in court the man deliberately lit fires in grassland at Weston, Pelaw Main, Bellbird, Greta, Aberglasslyn, Melville, and Cessnock, on several occasions in July and August this year.
It will be further alleged that the man later attended some of the fires as an NSW RFS volunteer and helped put them out.
Financial Crimes Squad Commander, Acting Superintendent Richard Puffett, urged people to be on watch as the NSW bushfire season approached.
“With a large amount of dry vegetation across our state, we are urging members of the public to be vigilant during this year’s bushfire season,” he said.
“If you see or notice anything suspicious, please contact police.”
