2LT Local News

3 boys arrested after starting fire in Blue Mountains

Aug 16, 2018

Three 16-year old boys have been arrested and charged with intentionally lighting a fire in the Blue Mountains on Wednesday.

The 3 teenagers were taken into custody and  transported to Springwood Police Station where they were formally charged.

It has not been indicated the boys had intended to cause harm, with the charges more in line with what police considered reckless behaviour.

There is a total fire ban in the Blue Mountains at present.

The teenagers, according to police, built a fire at the base of a cliff near Wattlecliffe Drive at Blaxland about 4pm on Wednesday.

They were soon challenged by local residents.

Police say the teens attempted to smother the blaze, however, it spread and firefighters from Fire & Rescue NSW were called to extinguish it before it spread into bushland.

Officers from the Blue Mountains Police Area Command were alerted and arrested the 16-year olds at the scene.

The boys have been granted conditional bail and are due to appear in a Children’s Court on Thursday 6 September 2018.