Mandurah detectives have issued a public appeal for information following a serious incident where a stolen vehicle was deliberately set on fire, triggering a bushfire in the Cardup area. The blaze, which ignited in the early hours of the morning, resulted in significant damage to local bushland and property.
Details of the Theft and Subsequent Bushfire
The incident began with a burglary at a residential property in Nambeelup on Sunday, February 1. During this break-in, thieves made off with a white Ford Ranger utility vehicle and three off-road motorcycles. The stolen items were taken without the owner's consent, marking the start of a chain of events that would lead to environmental destruction.
Abandonment and Ignition of the Stolen Vehicle
It is believed that the stolen Ford Ranger was abandoned in vacant bushland near the intersection of Soldiers Road and Cardup Siding Road in Cardup during the early hours of February 2. Shortly after being left in this remote location, the vehicle was intentionally set alight. This act of arson quickly escalated, igniting the surrounding dry vegetation and sparking a bushfire.
Emergency Response and Fire Containment
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) was alerted to the bushfire at 4.29 am, following reports from a volunteer brigade and a triple-zero caller. An emergency warning was promptly issued through the Emergency WA platform at 5 am, advising residents of the potential danger.
Firefighters worked diligently to bring the blaze under control, and by 7.39 am, the bushfire was contained. Despite the rapid response, the fire managed to burn approximately 3 hectares of land. Additionally, the roof of a building within the fire zone sustained damage, highlighting the destructive potential of such incidents.
Police Appeal for Public Assistance
Mandurah detectives are now urging anyone with information related to this incident to come forward. They are particularly interested in details that could help identify the individuals responsible for the theft and the subsequent arson that led to the bushfire.
How to Provide Information
Members of the public can contact Crime Stoppers anonymously online at crimestopperswa.com.au or by calling 1800 333 000. Detectives have emphasised the importance of community cooperation in solving this case.
Additionally, police are requesting that anyone with relevant CCTV footage, mobile phone recordings, or dash-cam vision review their materials. They are specifically looking for any sightings of a white Ford Ranger utility, which may have been carrying three off-road motorcycles in the back, in the vicinity of the fire area around the time of the incident.
Such visual evidence can be uploaded directly to detectives via the following link: wapf.au.evidence.com/.../public/020226035462517. This direct upload method is designed to streamline the collection of crucial evidence that could aid in the investigation.
Community Impact and Ongoing Investigation
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the broader consequences of criminal activities, extending beyond property theft to pose serious risks to public safety and the environment. The swift containment of the bushfire prevented further damage, but the event has undoubtedly left a mark on the local community.
Mandurah police continue to investigate the matter thoroughly, combining forensic analysis with community tips to piece together the events leading up to the fire. They remain committed to holding those responsible accountable for their actions, which endangered both people and natural resources.
Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to authorities, as collaborative efforts are essential in preventing similar incidents in the future. The investigation is ongoing, with updates to be provided as more information becomes available.
