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Strike Force Vulcan officers have charged a man in relation to a fire in Bow Bridge, between Walpole and Denmark, on Thursday 2 January 2025.   It will be alleged the man was on a rural property helping the owner tidy up the grounds, when he set a small pile of leaves and vegetation on fire. It will be further alleged on that day there was a Total Fire Ban in place and the man did not have a permit to light such a fire.   Due to the weather conditions on the day, being 32-34 degrees with strong wind gusts, the fire quickly spread, jumping a nearby river and continuing to burn over 300 hectares of bushland in the Walpole-Nornalup National Park. The fire placed a number of private properties at risk.   The fire was investigated by Albany Detectives and officers from Strike Force Vulcan. Yesterday, Tuesday 14 January 2025, a 76-year-old man was charged by the Strike Force Vulcan officers with ‘Breach of Duty’. He is due to appear in Albany Magistrates Court on Thursday 6 February 2025.   Detective Sergeant John SPENCE from Albany Detectives said this fire serves as a reminder to all rural property owners of the importance of safe management of fires and burn offs, regardless of their size.   “Total Fire Bans and other fire restrictions are put in place to ensure the community is protected from fires that are avoidable.   “Even small fires can quickly get out of control and pose a significant risk to the community. It is important anyone conducting a burn off, even if small in size, is only doing so when they are permitted, and take into account weather conditions.   “Having a plan in place to respond to a fire that breaches its intended containment zone is also critical. Fires can, and do spread quickly, so that initial response in the first few minutes can make a significant difference to the outcome.   “There are serious penalties in place for people who conduct burn offs when not permitted, or in circumstances that are dangerous to the community.”