Fires Set on Purpose Surge, NFA Finds

The National Fire Authority (NFA) has found that the cost of property fires in the first half of 2025 has gone up by 43 per cent compared to the same time last year—even though the number of fires rose only a little.

From January to June this year, there were 85 fires, just slightly more than 81 fires during the same period in 2024. But the cost of damage jumped from $7.37 million to $10.56 million.

NFA Chief Executive Officer Puamau Sowane said the analysis also found a worrying new trend: more fires are now being set on purpose.

“From 2019 to 2023, the top causes of fires were electrical faults, arson or suspicious causes, and unattended cooking,” he said.

“But in 2024 and 2025, we’ve seen more incendiary fires—fires that are started on purpose to cause harm.”

Mr Sowane explained that incendiary fires are different from accidents.

“An incendiary fire is set on purpose, often using fuel to make it spread faster. It’s a crime and is linked to arson,” he said.

He gave examples of two big fires last month:

• The Old CWM Birthing Unit fire in Toorak on June 7 was caused by an incendiary fire. “The building was completely destroyed, with $80,000 in damages,” he said.
• The Rups Big Bear warehouse fire in Raiwaqa on June 12 was caused by an electrical fault, and also destroyed the whole building, with $1.2 million in damage.

Most of the fires this year were in homes—95%—just like last year. But more people were affected.

“In 2024, 566 people were displaced by fires. This year, the number rose to 652,” Mr Sowane said.

There was also a big jump in fires in empty homes.

“Last year, six empty houses burned down. This year, it was nine. That’s a 50% increase,” he said.

Mr Sowane reminded people to inform neighbours or the nearest Police post if they leave their house, even for a short time.

He said NFA will continue to raise awareness as fires caused on purpose are now becoming more common and dangerous.