A series of suspicious bushfires have sparked concern near Wakehurst Parkway in Frenchs Forest, with authorities now investigating whether deliberate firelighting is to blame.
Just after 1:00 am on 1 January 2025, crews from Fire and Rescue NSW Dee Why Station, along with NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) teams from Beacon Hill, Davidson, Belrose, and Northern Beaches Headquarters, responded to reports of a fire in bushland near the pipeline trail. The fire was first spotted from the air by a PolAir helicopter conducting a New Year’s Eve patrol.
While firefighters from Dee Why Fire Station confirmed the presence of the fire, terrain difficulties prevented them from accessing the blaze with their truck. RFS crews, better equipped for bushfires, took over and worked to establish containment lines. By about 7:30 am, the fire had been largely contained, with roughly two hectares of bushland affected.
Multiple Points of Ignition Raise Suspicions
Firefighters reported encountering multiple points of ignition during their response, raising suspicions about deliberate firelighting. Their concerns were heightened when a second fire broke out several hundred metres away near the same pipeline trail shortly before 6:00 am. Crews worked through the morning, eventually extinguishing both fires by around 12:30 pm.
A Pattern Emerging?
Over the past few months, authorities have observed an increase in fire activity in the area; at least half a dozen incidents have been recorded in adjacent reserves. Manly Dam Reserve’s northern end, which runs alongside Frenchs Forest and Allambie Heights, seems to have drawn frequent firelighting targets.
Ben Shepherd, NSW RFS Inspector, confirmed that enquiries into the origin of these fires are still under way. Inspector Shepherd said they are treating the cause of the fires as suspicious since they have lately responded to several incidents in this area.
What Happens Next?
The enquiry is still under progress as NSW Police and RFS cooperate to identify the fire source. The next weeks are expected to see higher patrols in rural areas; residents are advised to follow bushfire safety advice and notify Crime Stoppers of suspected activity.
Published 4-Jan-2025
