Geraldton police appeal to public for help solving “dangerous” Walkaway fires

Police are offering rewards of up to $25,000 for information leading to the conviction of arsonists responsible for several bushfires in Walkaway at the weekend.

Geraldton police station officer-in-charge Sen. Sgt Chris Martin said emergency services attended fires on Arthur Road, Fraser Road and Short Road between 10.55am and 5pm on Sunday.

At least six areas of bushland were set alight on Arthur Road, with Department of Fire and Emergency Services quick to attend to the blaze.

Sen. Sgt Martin said of particular concern were the fires set on Fraser Road, which threatened power poles.

“As much as they were grass fires, they were close to power poles. So whoever is doing this obviously has some intention of setting a power pole on fire,” he said.

“Given we are in a state of emergency, the last thing we need at the moment is the power going out.

“It is a significantly dangerous behaviour and we want to try and eradicate it as quickly as possible.”

Sen. Sgt Martin said police were interested in speaking with the occupants of a small purple car spotted in the area on Sunday.

“We are not saying they are suspects at this stage but we think they can certainly help the investigation,” he said.

“We are appealing to any members of the public who have dash cam footage or were in the area at the time who can help us with information in regards to perhaps the registration of the vehicle or the occupants of the vehicle.

“The punishment is particularly serious, however we are offering rewards of up to $25,000 (for people) who provide key information that leads to a conviction of any arsonists.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Geraldton police station or Crime Stoppers.