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

Deliberately Lit Fires Cause Headaches For Hunter Firefighters

BY IAN CROUCH

Officers from Fire and Rescue NSW say they're shocked and dismayed by the number of deliberately lit grass fires across the Hunter in recent days.

Crews from the Hunter and Central Coast were called to the decommissioned Munmorah Power Station on Monday morning to find two conveyor belts had been set alight which subsequently spread to nearby bushland.

RFS crews are still monitoring the fire which has burnt though more than 50 hectares.

It's believed a firebug is also responsible for lighting several grass fires in the early hours of the morning around Windale, Gateshead and Bennetts Green.

Crews are busy trying to mop up several fires before hot and windy conditions arrive on Wednesday.

Munmorah Power Station

Police Search For Firebug At North Rothbury

BY IAN CROUCH

Central Hunter Police and detectives from Strike Force Tronto are searching for a firebug who's been setting fire to bush around North Rothbury in recent days.

Patrolling police noticed two small fires on the side of Wine Country Drive between Rothbury Road and Reid Street yesterday afternoon.

Crews from Fire & Rescue NSW and the RFS quickly contained the blazes.

Chief Inspector David Robertson says it's the 3rd time firefighters have been called to the area since last week.

"The Rural Fire Service informed police this is the third time since Friday wood fires have been deliberately lit in that immediate area, so police are appealing for public assistance. If any one notices any suspicious behaviour in that area in relation to deliberately lit fires to please contact Crime Stoppers," he said.