Arsonists cause havoc
POLICE have issued a warning to arsonists and firebugs - their time is numbered.
Recent outbreaks of suspicious fires in the region have caused considerable damage to environment and grazing pastures.
The officer in charge of the Kingaroy Stock Investigation Squad, Detective Sergeant Mark Ferling, said this summer arsonists were being targeted by police.
"We have noticed an increase in deliberately-lit fires in the rural areas," he said.
Sgt Ferling said the people behind the fires needed to realise the harm they were doing to the community.
"The fires have potential to claim the lives of innocent people as well as cause substantial damage to livestock, homesteads, and pastures and severely affect the rural industry.
South Nanango Rural Fire Brigade Fire Warden and Acting First Officer George Pike said the problem with arsonists was alarming.
"I would say half of the fires we're called out to are deliberately lit," he said.
"They don't see they are putting people's lives and properties at risk as well as wasting valuable brigade resources."
The warnings from police and firefighters follow an investigation into suspicious fires between October 19-22 at Manumbar.
Police have urged anyone with information to contact police or Crime Stoppers.
Phone 1800333000 or visit crimestoppers.com.au.
