Operation NOMAD 2024/25 officially launched

SAPOL continues to work with other agencies to reduce and prevent deliberate, reckless and negligent acts that may cause bushfires, by increasing police patrols through high-risk bushfire areas and monitoring would-be arsonists.

Last year police investigated 81 suspicious fires. Of those, 28 were determined to be deliberately lit, with 9 people arrested for those fires and 2 people reported. A total of 40 expiations were issued, mostly related to the lighting or maintaining a fire during the Fire Danger Season.

Throughout the season, officers will regularly visit those identified as being a high or significant risk, especially on days of extreme or catastrophic fire danger rating.

In addition to police patrols, this year we will see Police Security Officers conducting highly visible patrols and conducting observations in areas of high fire danger risk. These officers will complement the frontline police patrols who will attend incidents and will be able to identify and observe any suspicious behaviour and report in a timely manner back to SA Police communications.

This year also sees the introduction of Bushfire Offender Monitoring Orders on persons of interest.  Current legislation allows South Australia Police to apply to the Magistrates Court to monitor a person who has previously been found guilty of causing a bushfire.

In September 2024 South Australia Police made the first application for a person of interest to be monitored during Fire Danger Season under new legislation.  SAPOL are preparing applications for a further three bushfire offenders that have been identified for the Bushfire Offender Monitoring Orders.

Assistant Commissioner of Security and Emergency Management Service Philip Newitt said “the ability for police to monitor this person will reduce the risk of re-offending and causing widespread damage to property, potential injury and death and provide a valuable tool when investigating suspicious fire activity”

South Australians are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the Australian Fire Danger Rating System released by the South Australia Country Fire Service (CFS).

Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Correctional Services Dan Cregan said, “With Fire Danger Season dates brought forward and forecast hotter and drier conditions ahead, an act of arson has even greater potential to threaten lives and property.”

“SA Police will step up patrols and monitor known risks to help prevent bushfire offending and keep the community safe.”

“New powers to track people convicted of bushfire offences is another tool to combat individuals who may seek to put others at risk.”

Country Fire Service Chief Officer Brett Loughlin said "Our communities rely on the tireless work of volunteer firefighters to keep us safe from bushfires, and every South Australians can contribute by reporting any suspicious or dangerous activities to Operation Nomad.

Bushfires can ignite in an instance, so it is critical we all remain vigilant this Fire Danger Season to prevent fires that threaten lives, property, and the environment."

Arson attempts or suspicious activity may be reported on the police assistance line 131 444, through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online: www.crimestopperssa.com.au

If you see a fire that may threaten life, call 000 immediately.