Arson is a serious crime that can attract significant penalties. Anyone convicted of Criminal Damage by Fire (Arson), Section 444 of the Criminal Code can be imprisoned for life.

How to report arson

Help reduce arson by calling Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 to report arson, any suspicious activity or fire lighting.

All information received is treated in the strictest of confidence.

In Western Australia, witnesses may also be eligible for a reward of up to $25,000 from one of two arson rewards schemes available to members of the community who supply information to police that ultimately leads to the conviction of an offender, for arson-related crimes.

Arson reward applications are considered under either the Government Arson Reward Scheme with a maximum reward of $25,000 and the Insurance Council of Australia Arson Reward Scheme which also offers a maximum reward of $25,000. Guidelines are in place that outline which scheme is appropriate and these guidelines also provide direction about the level of reward paid. Witnesses can only receive a reward from either one scheme or the other but NOT both for the same incident.

Arson Squad

The Arson Squad investigates fires or where an explosion has occurred. The squad also proactively targets and investigates serial arsonists with the aim of reducing the incidents of arson.

Arson Information Network

The Arson Information Network (AIN) is a partnership of the WA Police Force, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, and the Department of Environment and Conservation, to promote arson awareness to the community of Western Australia.

Information from the community is paramount to the success of identifying arsonists and implementing the AIN in 2006 has led to faster response times and more charges for arson offences.

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