Backyard Flare Sparks Fire Scare in Geraldton Amid Extreme Bushfire Threat, Police Warn of Misuse

Backyard Flare Sparks Fire Scare in Geraldton Amid Extreme Bushfire Threat

A Geraldton resident faced a terrifying ordeal when she woke to find a marine flare actively throwing sparks in her backyard, perilously close to a caravan where her parents slept, amidst severe bushfire conditions. The incident on December 1 in Karloo has prompted police to issue urgent warnings about securing flares, highlighting the grave dangers of their misuse.

The Alarming Discovery

Kristy Baker recounted being jolted awake around 2 AM by a distinct "pop" outside her home. Rushing to investigate, she was confronted by the alarming sight of her patio illuminated by the glow of a live flare. Describing it as spitting out little sparks like fireworks, Baker noted its proximity to a caravan parked beneath a highly flammable paperbark tree, housing her sleeping parents, Denham and Jodie Baker. The device, which Ms. Baker quickly extinguished with a dog's water bucket, was later identified as a mandated safety item for boaters venturing more than 400 metres offshore in Western Australia, designed to signal distress. Its appearance—like a little parachute with a string and plastic tubing—suggested it had been deployed.

Fears Amidst Bushfire Crisis

The incident unfolded during one of Geraldton's most severe bushfire emergencies, with a major blaze burning just 10 kilometres from Ms. Baker's property. That morning, temperatures soared to 42 degrees with fierce winds, causing the fire to breach containment lines. The stress of the situation was compounded by Ms. Baker's fear, especially after hearing similar "pops" in subsequent nights on her street, which borders bushland. I was petrified the next night thinking, 'What happens if it comes again?' she expressed, underscoring the community's heightened anxiety.

Police Response and Ongoing Investigations

WA Police confirmed collecting the flare from Ms. Baker’s residence, though the circumstances of its deployment remain unknown. They stressed the importance of boat owners ensuring flares are always securely stored. While four children were later dealt with in connection to the larger bushfire emergency, police clarified that this specific blaze was not linked to flares or any other fires.

However, this wasn't an isolated event concerning flares in the region. An earlier incident on November 22 saw a burnt flare discovered by a DFES crew at the scene of multiple small fires along Chapman Valley and Narra Tarra roads in Geraldton. At that time, Senior Sergeant Russell Hurst indicated the discovery of the flare, combined with the presence of multiple ignition points, strongly suggested deliberate fire-lighting, stating, Obviously, having an ignition source like that in such a dry area does raise suspicion... that's not normal bushfire behaviour.

In an updated statement, WA Police confirmed that investigations into the November 22 fires are still active, but the burnt flare's connection to those specific blazes is yet to be definitively established. Crucially, the December 1 backyard flare incident is confirmed as not linked to any other ongoing fire investigations. Police are urging the community to report any suspicious vehicles, persons, or activities related to fires to Crime Stoppers, with a reward of up to $25,000 offered for information leading to the conviction of an arsonist. The vigilance of residents remains vital in safeguarding the community against such dangerous acts.