Firebugs on Police Radar

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Police will be cracking down on firebugs ahead of what could be a potentially catastrophic fire season.

It's understood an arson watch list of high-risk offenders has been compiled by the Property Crime Squad's Arson Unit as a part of Strike Force Tronto and sent to local police commands.

The Telegraph reports officers will be making random house calls on 70 of the state's worst firebugs and putting them under covert surveillance. They'll use "proactive covert" spy techniques in a bid to catch arsonists redhanded.

It comes after retained Hunter firefighter Joshua Lambkin was charged over four fires near Kurri Kurri last month and amid Rural Fire Service investigations into the fire at Richmond Vale last week which they fear could have been deliberately lit.

Image MJF Productions

Welcome Rain Eases Fire Danger But Still More Work To Do

BY IAN CROUCH

Overnight rain has helped firefighters contain one of two major bush fires burning in the Hunter.

A fire at Black Hill which burnt out 35 hectares is now under control.

However, the main concern is the Richmond Vale fire, which has destroyed more than 870 hectares and left the historic railway museum with a million dollar damage bill.

James Morris from the RFS says around 80 firefighters are still working on the massive blaze.

"Firefighters have had a bit of reprieve overnight with showers across many of the fire grounds, which is great. We've still seen some significant winds over those fire grounds still causing some issues for firefighters. However, hopefully we'll continue to be able to gain the upper hand on those fires as the day continues," he said.

Detectives from Strike Force Tronto are looking into the cause of the fires.

Richmond Vale Fire Downgraded To Advice Level photo:Cessnock Advertiser

Black Hill Fire Now Under Control photo: Triple M