ID :
159685
Wed, 02/09/2011 - 11:40
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Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/159685
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Police officer charged over West Australian bushfire
(AAP) - A 56-year-old West Australian police officer has been charged by summons in relation to bushfires which ravaged the Perth hills district this week destroying 72 homes.
The police officer, who has gone missing, is charged under the Bushfires Act with carrying out an activity in the open during a total fire ban that could cause a fire.
Earlier on Wednesday arson squad officers executed a search warrant at the police officer's Kelmscott home where it was understood he had been used an angle grinder which caused sparks to set fire to grass on Sunday.
A police spokesman said the officer was currently on leave and had been off-duty at the time of the incident.
West Australian police spokesman Inspector Bill Munnee said the officer's disappearance was causing concern.
"I believe he is just shattered and devastated and he's probably just taking time out to reflect on a few things," Insp Munnee said.
The arson squad confiscated evidence at the officer's home including the trailer.
The officer is facing a maximum penalty of $25,000 or 12 months in jail and has been summonsed to appear in the Armadale Magistrates Court on the March 15.
The police officer, who has gone missing, is charged under the Bushfires Act with carrying out an activity in the open during a total fire ban that could cause a fire.
Earlier on Wednesday arson squad officers executed a search warrant at the police officer's Kelmscott home where it was understood he had been used an angle grinder which caused sparks to set fire to grass on Sunday.
A police spokesman said the officer was currently on leave and had been off-duty at the time of the incident.
West Australian police spokesman Inspector Bill Munnee said the officer's disappearance was causing concern.
"I believe he is just shattered and devastated and he's probably just taking time out to reflect on a few things," Insp Munnee said.
The arson squad confiscated evidence at the officer's home including the trailer.
The officer is facing a maximum penalty of $25,000 or 12 months in jail and has been summonsed to appear in the Armadale Magistrates Court on the March 15.
