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WA fire bugs continue in Byford and Armadale as blazes ravage Australian communities

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Caitlyn RintoulThe West Australian
Firefighters were called to a “suspicious” blaze in the south-eastern suburb of Byford on Sunday afternoon, just hours after WA Police had made a public call out for information about a bushfire that tore through Armadale on Saturday. Photo: File image.
Camera IconFirefighters were called to a “suspicious” blaze in the south-eastern suburb of Byford on Sunday afternoon, just hours after WA Police had made a public call out for information about a bushfire that tore through Armadale on Saturday. Photo: File image. Credit: File image.

As devastating bushfires ravage Australian communities, claiming lives and homes, fire bugs have continued to ignite blazes across the weekend in WA.

Firefighters were called to a “suspicious” blaze in the south-eastern suburb of Byford on Sunday afternoon, just hours after WA Police had made a public call out for information about a bushfire that tore through Armadale on Saturday.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) claimed the fire was deliberately lit just after 5pm near Warrington Road.

While there were no threat to lives or homes DFES issued an Advice alert for nearby residents and it took almost two hours before all crews were stood down from the incident.

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In Armadale, bushland was burnt and several roads were forced to close on Saturday afternoon due to a “suspicious” blaze that ignited about 11am near the Ranford and Armadale Road intersection.

The incident prompted police to ask for public assistance to identify a man captured on CCTV who they want to questioning as part of their investigation.

Described as about 18 to 20-years-old, dark or tanned skin, with a slim build and short brown hair, the man was wearing a black or grey t-shirt and grey long pants on the day.

WA Police’s dedicated arson squad Strike Force Vulcan claim the man was seen walking near the intersection around the time of the fire as he may be able to assist with the investigation.

DFES placed a watch and act alert warning on several suburbs during the bushfire, including Armadale, Forrestdale, Seville Grove, Hilbert, Haynes, Southern River and Champion Lakes.

Ground crews were forced to call in aerial support to help extinguished the blaze which burnt through a large section of bush.

Shared to WA Police’s Facebook page, news of the investigation attracted 225 shares and more than 100 comments on Sunday evening, with people outraged by arsonist behaviour.

Anyone with information on suspicious fires are urged asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online at www.crimestopperswa.com.au.

Rewards of up to $50,000 are available for information that leads to the identification and conviction of an arsonist.

On average, more than 300 arson related charges are laid by WA Police each year.

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