STRIKE force vulcan officers with the assistance of officers from Midland Police, have charged a 55-year-old man after a scrub fire in Greenmount last week on Thursday, February 15.

About 7pm, the man walked along Great Eastern Highway to an undeveloped block of land that was surrounded by residential homes, and opposite a local business.

It will be alleged the man set fire to vegetation on the block of land, igniting a fire that could have impacted nearby homes as the fire spread quickly due to the extreme hot weather conditions.

Department of Fire and Emergency Services personnel attended and extinguished the fire before it impacted on the lives, homes and businesses of people in the community.

The 55-year-old man from Morawa has been charged with one count of wilfully light or cause to be lit a fire likely to injure or damage.

He appeared before the Midland Magistrates Court on Friday, February 16 where he was remanded in custody until his next appearance on Tuesday, February 20.

The matter was adjourned to Friday, February 23, with the hearing to again take place at Midland Magistrates Court. The individual is remanded in custody.

This offence carries a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment.

Timely information received from members of the public was a vital component of this investigation.