A 32-year-old man is in custody after police allegedly caught him lighting fires in the Todd River overnight.

Police have been working with Bushfires NT, NT Fire and Rescue Service, NTES, Parks and Wildlife and volunteers since last week to control large fires burning on the outskirts of Alice Springs.

Superintendent Del Jones said  it was disappointing to think that after all the hard work put in  by emergency crews to control existing fires that someone could callously light a new fire deliberately.

“Emergency crews have been working day and night under very difficult circumstances to protect life and property from these fires since last week,” Supt Jones said.

“It’s hard to fathom how someone would so disrespect their work as to set about lighting new fires.

Supt Jones said the alleged offender was in police custody and was expected to be interviewed later today.

She also thanked those members of the public who reported the incident to police.

“It’s encouraging to see the community working with police to detect offenders and I would urge anyone with information about deliberately lit fires to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”

Media Contact
Theresa Kuilboer
89518825