Police have appealed to the public to be vigilant and have urged anyone with information about deliberately lit fires or witnessing cigarettes being thrown from vehicles during the bushfire danger period to contact Crime Stoppers with the details.

Assistant Commissioner John Laycock, the Commander of Strike Force Tronto said investigators will examine all reports of arson.

“There have been reports of deliberately started fires and also of people carelessly throwing cigarette butts from vehicles.

“These incidents are extremely reckless at any time of the year but particularly so in these exceptionally hot, dry conditions when the smallest spark can cause destruction on a huge scale.

“Under the Crimes Act legislation penalties for the discarding of a cigarette butt which starts a bushfire during a bushfire danger period include heavy fines or imprisonment,” Assistant Commissioner Laycock said.

“The Government legislated a few weeks ago to impose a five year minimum standard sentence with a maximum penalty of 14 years in jail. There are also significant fines of up to $110,000 and /or imprisonment which can be imposed by a court under the Rural Fires Act.

“I have instructed investigators from Strike Force Tronto to seek the maximum available penalties for offences they detect and prosecute.

“If members of the public witness acts of arson or reckless motorists throwing cigarette butts from their vehicles I urge them to contact Crime Stoppers immediately.

“Callers will be able to provide information to the operators and Strike Force Tronto investigators will have access to all notifications. Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers immediately on 1 800 333 000,” Assistant Commissioner Laycock said.

Members of the public can contact their local police at anytime for advice, assistance or information.

The public are reminded they should ring the triple 0 (000) number only for life threatening emergencies.