NSW: Arsonists light string of fires in national park

AAP General News (Australia)
12-26-2000
NSW: Arsonists light string of fires in national park

SYDNEY, Dec 26 AAP - Firefighters were today battling to contain a string of fires
lit by arsonists early on Christmas Day in Wollemi National Park, west of Sydney.

The arsonists lit fires which spread over more than 13km on either side of a fire trail
in the parkland, leaving firefighters with more than a week's work to control the blazes.

National Parks and Wildlife Area manager Grahame Smith said police were investigating
the incident and checking for vehicles that used the fire trail leading up to Christmas
day.

"At full strength of personnel and other resources - as we will be this evening - it
could take at least a week or more to bring the fire under control," he said.

"We've rostered overnight crews for this evening and it will continue to be a round-the-clock
task to control the fire."

Two helicopters and an airplane were already dumping water on the fire but more aircraft
and firefighters would be needed, Mr Smith said.

With the continuing hot weather, the NSW Fire Service has put a total fire ban in place
in the Metropolitan, Southern Tablelands and Illawarra districts.

AAP aa/was/de

KEYWORD: ARSON

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