SINCE December to the end of April, Strike Force Vulcan has investigated 178 bushfires resulting in 44 people being charged with 181 offences.

The specialised police unit encompasses the state of WA and is led by senior detectives from the WA Police arson squad and police officers seconded from within the organisation.

Strike Force Vulcan officers work in close collaboration with the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES), and Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA).

In a Strike Force Vulcan first, four DFES staff who are qualified bushfire investigators worked within the WA Police arson squad office as part of the team.

This worked exceptionally well and it is hoped this partnership will continue next season.

“The continued commitment to a dedicated taskforce approach, utilising both WA Police and DFES resources ensured a successful targeted approach to bushfire attendance and investigations by Strike Force Vulcan personnel during this busy fire season,” detective Sergeant Chris De Bruin of Strike Force Vulcan and the arson squad said.

“The ability for a 24/7 ‘real time’ attendance at the majority of all major metropolitan bushfire events was invaluable in the success of identifying and charging numerous bushfire arsonists,” he said.

During the season, Strike Force Vulcan officers referred 38 juveniles to the juvenile justice team and the Juvenile and Family Fire Awareness (JAFFA) program run by DFES.