Series of suspicious fires scorch Kimberley stations, police offer $25,000 reward
Seven unexplained blazes erupted across Western Australia's Kimberley region within 36 hours, prompting a police reward for information.
Over a 36-hour period, seven fires of unknown origin broke out across the Kimberley in Western Australia, straining volunteer firefighters and emergency resources. The incidents, concentrated along the Great Northern Highway, included three separate ignitions near Barn Hill Station, part of the larger Thangoo Station owned by Janice Bell, who said the fires were set at 20-kilometre intervals and moved quickly toward the coast.
At nearby Anna Plains station, manager David Stoate described how strong easterly winds and dry weather made containment difficult, forcing crews to conduct back-burns and protect cattle yards. DFES Kimberley superintendent Glenn Hall noted an uptick in suspicious ignitions this season, warning of heightened risk during the tourist peak. Kimberley Police are investigating the series of arsons and have announced a $25,000 reward for information that leads to a conviction.
Why it matters
The fires threaten remote communities, livestock and tourism, and highlight growing arson risks in a fire-prone region.
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