Many Peaks Bushfire Charge

“Albany detectives sought information regarding a bush fire in Many Peaks which started about
10:00pm on Friday 1 January 2016, and as a result of their investigation, arrested a 24 year old
man.

“Albany Detectives would like to thank the public for their support and assistance through this
investigation especially with information supplied to Crime Stoppers following a prior media release.

“The fire started at the Normans Beach Campsite and is believed to have spread as far as the Betty’s
Beach Campsite.

“It will be alleged the man set off fireworks, igniting combustible coastal heath vegetation. During the
following ten days a total of 2100 hectares were burnt, destroying assets including Western Power
infrastructure.

“The resulting emergency services firefighting operation incurred costs approaching $95,000 and
placed a water pumping station critical to Albany’s drinking supply under threat.

“The lives of firefighters and members of the public were placed at significant risk. The fire also had a
significant ecological impact on local declared rare flora and fauna.

“The man from Thomastown in Victoria was charged with Breach of Duty (Being a person in charge of
a source of ignition, did not use reasonable care and did not take reasonable precautions to avoid
starting a fire).”