A probationary member of the Rural Fire Service has been charged after allegedly starting bushfires in the Hunter Region.
The Property Crime Squad’s Arson Unit has investigated more than 100 bushfires in the Cessnock area between August 2015 and April 2016.
As a result, a 20-year-old man was arrested at Lochinvar around 2pm yesterday afternoon.
Police conducted a search of the man’s vehicle, where investigators allegedly located and seized accelerants and a number of mobile phones.
The man was charged with five counts of cause fire and be reckless to its spread, as well as trespassing.
He has been refused bail and will appear at Maitland Local Court later today.
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