Sydney police arrest 21 on suspicion of arson
Wednesday, 2 January 2002 20:36
Twenty-one people have been arrested on suspicion of arson in connection with bushfires in Australia. Fourteen of those arrested are children. For the second day the fires are threatening homes in the suburbs of Sydney.
Bushfires continue to rage through New South Wales with several burning just ten minutes away from downtown Sydney. Homes are being threatened as firefighters carry on their battle against the persistent fires. Hot and windy weather conditions are serving only to fan the flames even more.
Public anger is now focussed on those who have been arrested on arson charges, some of them as young are as nine years of age. The adults face a maximum of 14 years in prison if convicted. Police say that up to half the fires may have been started deliberately.
Residents and firefighters are working side by side tackling the flames with water from swimming pools. Reinforcements are being flown in from Melbourne and other neighbouring states. Helicopters are being used more and more to combat the crisis from the air.
The fires have lead to thousands of evacuations. Residents in areas under threat have been urged to head for the beaches, which are now blackened by ash and burnt leaves. They have been told to get out as early as possible.
- Morning Ireland: Liz Foskie of ABC News discusses the situation in Sydney
- 6.01 News: Aoife Kavanagh reports on the bushfires
- 1.00 News: Róisín Ní Eadhra reports on the bushfires in Sydney
