The Northern Territory Fire and Rescue is pleased to announce that 15 fresh new faces are soon to join the ranks of 'Bushfire Investigator'.

The 15 member squad made up of NT Fire and Rescue, Bushfire NT Fire fighters and NT Police Forensic Officers from around the NT have undertaken a week long Bushfire Investigation Course run by Ralph Smith, specialist instructor from the Fire and Emergency Service Authority (FESA) of Western Australia.

The course is designed to give the squad the skills to put a stop to deliberate and malicious fire lighters.

District Fire Officer Dave Pettit said that the team are excited to put their new skills to work.

"The timing of this Friday's graduation coincides nicely with the fire season. We have already dealt with quite a few fires and with such a large wet season now well behind us, I am sure we will have many more to deal with.

"These members have been trained in bushfire behaviour, scene examination, forensic sampling and court procedures and will be out on the fire ground within days.

"I am hoping with the announcement of these new investigators, that "would-be firelighters" will realise the wrongs of their ways. Of course this will do little to stop serial fire lighters. These persons will need to be identified and prosecuted. To achieve this we will need to help of the community.

Police and NT Fire and Rescue personnel urge anyone that may witness any suspicious activity related to fire lighting, to call through on 000.



Media Contact
Amy Sloan
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