Police, FESA target arson areas

Rockingham and Kwinana police will provide support to FESA by targeting areas that have previously been the subject of arson.

Of 40 areas identified across WA, the Peel region was found to have eight areas prone to arson attacks.

Police said they would patrol high risk areas as part of Strike Force Vulcan, a strategy to reduce deliberately-lit bushfires this season.

Sgt Steve Rauch said police were keen to highlight these areas to the public so more eyes could watch and report any suspicious behaviour.

‘‘This way if more people are aware they will pay more attention and be on the lookout for anything suspicious,’’ he said.

‘‘We will lend our resources to alleviate FESA although the main responsibility lies with them.

‘‘Our main role is pass on information of suspicious behaviour, patrol areas and co-ordinate road blocks for fires.’’

Sgt Rauch said the operation came as a timely reminder of the WA fire season.

‘‘There is a lot of dry material around that won’t take much to start a major fire,’’ he said.

‘‘We are asking motorists to be patient when there is a fire and comply with police road blocks.

"We won’t allow vehicles to drive through dangerous fire and smoke areas.’’

Areas identified at high risk of arson were in the suburbs of Anketell, Postans and Casuarina in Kwinana and Baldivis and Cooloongup in Rockingham.

WA has the highest incidence of suspicious and deliberate bushfires compared with the rest of Australia, according to a report by the Australian Institute of Criminology.

The bushfire season runs from December 1 to March 31.

Police urge anyone who sees suspicious activity in bushland to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.