Firebugs have lit up multiple sites across the Illawarra, prompting authorities to warn parents: “know where your children are”.
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Much of Berkeley was shrouded in smoke Monday afternoon, as fire burnt through more than an acre of scrub near Fred Finch Park, by Hooka Creek.
Fire and Rescue NSW were called to the site about 1.15pm.
With the fire in difficult-to-reach terrain, firefighters went in on foot and used pumped creek water to extinguish the blaze over several hours.
“We’ve had a lot of rain the last week, so due to the tracks being too wet, we’re not going to take the risk of bogging a [tank],” Warrawong station officer Jason Harvey told the Mercury.
“Everything is very green in there, hence the fire is static and there’s no threat to property – it’s just in an awkward spot for firefighters.”
Though the cause of the blaze remains under investigation, reports of children in the area, and repeated previous call-outs leave firefighters in no doubt as to the question of arson.
“We do come into this area quite frequently,” Mr Harvey said. “It has good security, the gates are locked quite regularly, but children on their pushbikes and those walking still manage to get in here and start fires … I’d say weekly.
“During the school holidays, it’s daily. it ties up a lot of resources.
“It comes down to supervision, and knowing where your children are and what they’re doing. That could prevent resources like this from being tied up.”
A Thirroul tanker and a Warrawong pumper attended Monday afternoon’s blaze.
It followed a fire at the bottom of a cliff at Kendalls Beach, Kiama, Monday morning. Homes on Gwinganna Avenue were left briefly exposed before the fire was extinguished.
Another blaze – also believed to be the result of arson – drew firefighters to Robertson Street at Port Kemba for much of the day on Sunday.