Three young Australian boys were caught lighting fires on purpose amid the country’s worst-ever battle with raging bushfires.
Two of the 12-year-old culprits were apprehended after starting a bushfire at Koonawarra reserve in New South Wales whereas the third one lit a fire behind a sports center in Wollongong, Warilla.
All three children will be held responsible for deliberately starting bushfires and will answer for their crimes according to the Young Offenders Act.
Fortunately, no one was injured due to the callous actions of the boys and the firefighters were able to put out the fires moments after they were started.
“It’s quite distressing to see young people in particular continuing to ignore the message about how dangerous fires can be,” Inspector Brian Pedersen of the Lake Illawarra Police District expressed as he claimed the number of deliberately started fires poses a huge concern.
“We are urging the whole community to be vigilant and report any suspicious behavior.”
The two incidents followed shortly after the authorities have issued a warning that bushfires across the NSW South Coast have progressed and became more dangerous.
“Fire activity increased over the evening due to strong westerly winds. Firefighters are working in the area to protect properties where possible. Seek shelter as the fire impacts. It is too late to leave,” the Rural Fire Service announced.
As the RFS spokesperson added, strong winds contribute to faster development and movement of bushfires, making it harder for the first respondents to keep them at bay.
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Replaced!