A suspicious fire in Gungahlin that came dangerously close to paddock full of grassy fuel this week has police and firefighters on the lookout for potential arsonists.
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On Monday a fire near The Valley Avenue came 10 metres from a paddock with metre-high grass, which firefighters said would quickly have become a serious issue had it caught alight.
Following the blaze, ACT Policing plan to work closely with the ACT Rural Fire Service and the ACT Fire and Rescue Investigators to determine ‘hot spots’ based on recent fire and arson related incidents.
And they're also calling on the community's help.
Acting Superintendent Chris Meagher of ACT Policing Intelligence said traditionally in the ACT, we see an increase in suspicious grassland and bushland fires from December through to March.
“As such… we are patrolling all open vegetation areas in the ACT, to deter and detect any suspicious activity or anti-social behaviour,” he said.
Acting Superintendent Meagher said community members are often the first to notice suspicious behaviour or activity in their neighbourhood.
“So we need their help to monitor open areas such as parks or grasslands across the ACT,” he said.
Anyone who sees any suspicious behaviour in grassland is urged to contact ACT Policing Operations immediately on 131 444.
Meantime, witnesses to the grass fire on Monday in Gungahlin are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the website.
