A Volunteer Firefighter Has Been Charged With Arson in Western Australia

A young Western Australian volunteer firefighter has been charged with three separate incidences of arson in the state's South West region. The Perth Magistrates' Court heard yesterday that Stephen Johnson deliberately started two fires in Irishtown on December 22 last year, and another in Donnybrook on December 28. Johnson appeared in court via video link.

Johnson was arrested following a joint investigation between South West Detectives and the Donnybrook police. He was charged with three counts of lighting a fire likely to injure or damage, having allegedly used a lighter to set fire to bush scrub that surrounded properties and homes on Beelerup Road. The uncontained December 28 fire threatened both lives and homes, prompting a "watch and act" alert from local bushfire authorities.

While a firefighter arsonist might seem like a bit of a contradiction in terms, the phenomenon is surprisingly common. Back in 2005, the Australian Institute of Criminology profiled incidences of firefighter arson around the country, finding the behaviour is usually motivated by "a desire for excitement or as a way of gaining attention and recognition." As the report notes, "There are cases of firefighters who have started a fire, reported it and attended the fire with their unit in the hope of being seen as the hero who saves the community."

US-based research used by the Australian Institute of Criminology claims that the typical firefighter arsonist is male and aged between 17 and 25. Typically, firefighter arsonists are relatively inexperienced, often committing arson within their first three years of service. They often face mental health problems such as depression and unusual stress.

The ABC reports that police told the court yesterday that Johnson had admitted feeling depressed and started the fires so he could help fight them. He volunteers for both the SES and local fire brigade.

Bunbury detectives had urged against granting Johnson bail, fearing he would continue to pose a threat to the community. His bail was set for $10,000 plus a surety by the magistrate. He is due to appear in court again today.

Western Australia's Department of Fire and Emergency Services offers rewards of up to $50,000 for reporting information that leads to the identification and conviction of arsonists.

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