Corrimal woman faces arson charges

A CORRIMAL woman is before the courts following an investigation into alleged multiple bushfires earlier this year.

Detectives from the Financial Crime Squad’s Arson Unit established Strike Force Brittliffe to investigate eight bushfires that police suspect were deliberately lit throughout the Wollongong area in April 2019.

Between 1am and 2.30am on Monday April 29, NSW Police received a number of calls from the public regarding small fires in North Wollongong and surrounding suburbs.

Large sections of bush were damaged by the fires, before they were extinguished by emergency services or community members. No one was injured.

Following extensive inquiries, strike force detectives arrested a 49-year-old woman at a home in Corrimal just before 9.30am on July 3.

The woman was taken to Wollongong Police Station and charged with eight counts of intentionally cause fire and be reckless as to its spread.

Police will allege in court the bushfires occurred in close proximity to local bike tracks, including the ‘Blue Mile’ at Wollongong, and the ‘Fairy Creek Bike Track’ at Fairy Meadow.

A 16-year-old boy was also arrested last month; however, he was dealt with under the Young Offenders Act.