Tasmania Fire Service and Tasmania Police are today announcing a dedicated working party focused on reducing preventable fires in the greater Launceston area.

Following a series of deliberately lit fires in March, TFS and Tasmania Police will work together with the City of Launceston, and the Environmental Protection Agency in a proactive and collaborative effort to protect the community and environment.

TFS Northern Deputy Regional Chief Steven Richardson said the working group would proactively address illegal dumping, waste burning, and deliberately lit bushfires.

“By sharing intelligence, improving communication between our organisations, and engaging with the community, we aim to mitigate risks in these targeted areas and promote fire safety,” he said.

“This coordinated approach will not only help us identify and address potential threats before they escalate but also empower our community with the knowledge and resources to protect themselves and their surroundings. To further support these efforts, we will be engaging with community leaders to help combat these dangerous behaviours.”

Tasmania Police Northern District Commander Marco Ghedini said police had investigated a number of deliberately lit bushfires earlier this year, and a 13 year old youth had been charged with unlawfully setting fire to vegetation.

“We understand the frustration felt by the Launceston community during the series of fires in the greater Launceston area earlier this year – deliberately lit fires not only put the community at risk, but the lives of our emergency service workers,” Commander Ghedini said.

“We will continue to work proactively with our partners at Tasmania Fire Service, and actively investigate any reports of suspicious fire activity – but we also need the community’s help.”

“Suspicious activity or information can be reported directly to police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000.”