Statement - Alleged arson incident
Published Date: 27 Nov 2019
Summary
The NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) has immediately stood down a volunteer member who has been charged over an alleged arson incident on the south coast.
NSW Police have charged the 19 year old member with seven counts of cause fire and be reckless to its spread.
NSW RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said the Service has a zero tolerance to arson.
“Over the past few weeks, we’ve seen firefighters going above and beyond in difficult and dangerous conditions.
“Our members will be rightly angry that the alleged actions of one individual can tarnish the reputation and hard work of so many.
“This type of alleged behaviour is the ultimate betrayal of our own members, and of the broader community.
“Arson is a dangerous and criminal act. It isn’t tolerated by society. And it’s not tolerated by the RFS, or our members.
“The community has the right to be disappointed but we should not let it detract from the incredible work that firefighters have done in protecting and saving so many homes during unprecedented conditions.”
As the matter is now before court, the NSW RFS will not be providing any further comment on the matter.
