Strike Force Vulcan investigators have charged a man as a result of their investigation into a fire in Serpentine which occurred on Wednesday, 29 December 2021.
Between 9am and 11.50am, the man was at a semi-rural property on Wattle Road. A 44 gallon drum being used as a fire pit was in the backyard of the property. The drum contained various rubbish items and plant materials. It is alleged the man set alight the contents of the drum and failed to sufficiently extinguish the flames once they breached the drum and began spreading.
As a result of failing to prevent the fire spreading, the house, two caravans and a shed which contained two cars were destroyed. The damage bill is estimated in excess of $600,000.
Department of Fire and Emergency Services career firefighters and local volunteer Bush Fire Brigade personnel, attended and managed to stop the fire spreading to neighbouring properties before they extinguished the fire.
The Shire of Serpentine and Jarrahdale was subject to a Total Fire Ban Order on the day of the fire.
The 48-year-old man from Serpentine was charged with:
• Breach of Duty – this offence carries a maximum sentence of 15 years imprisonment.
He is due next due to appear before the Armadale Magistrates Court on 18 January 2022.
