Police are investigating a number of fires in the Kempsey, which are believed to have been deliberately lit.

While no one has been injured as a result of these grass fires the outcomes of fires can be catastrophic.

Investigators from Mid North Coast Police District are investigating these fires and are being assisted by the State Crime Command’s Property Crime Squad Arson Unit’s Strike Force Tronto.

As part of their ongoing inquiries, Strike Force detectives will be canvassing the South Kempsey area and speaking with members of the community on Tuesday 20 and Wednesday 21 August 2019.

In addition, local police will be available to discuss community concerns and fire safety within the Kempsey township on those days.

NSW Police will be holding a community information meeting at the Kempsey Council Chambers on Tuesday the 20 August at 5.30pm with speakers from the Arson Squad, NSWRFS and Fire and Rescue NSW. If attending please RSVP Crime Prevention Officer, S/Con Steve Cherry on 65 830172. 

For information on bushfires, monitor www.rfs.nsw.gov.au or call the Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737.

Police are also reminding people that they could face penalties if found responsible for the lighting of fires – accidental or otherwise – including not putting out a fire they have lit.

Strike Force Tronto, comprises of detectives from the Property Crime Squad’s Arson Unit and is the lead investigative body on suspicious or deliberately-lit bushfires which lead to death, serious injury or significant property loss.

The detectives work closely with local area commands and investigators from the NSW Rural Fire Service and Fire and Rescue NSW.

Police are urging anyone with information in relation to this investigation to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au/ Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence.

We remind people they should not report crime information via our social media pages.