While progressives were busy blaming “climate change” for the deadly brush fires that have devastated Australia in recent weeks, authorities from New South Wales have reportedly arrested two dozen arsonists – as in, actual people, not lumps of coal or gallons of jet fuel – for allegedly starting some of the blazes that have cumulatively killed 19 people, damaged or destroyed more than 2,000 homes, and decimated over 12 million acres of land.
Among those charged with intentionally starting fires is a 19-year-old volunteer firefighter who’s been accused of igniting a blaze before later putting it out.
On top of the 24 people who’ve been arrested for intentionally starting brush fires, another 53 people allegedly failed to comply with the total fire ban, while another 47 people have been accused of carelessly throwing lit cigarettes or matches on the ground.
In total, the state of New South Wales has taken legal action against 183 people for brushfire-related charges, according to ABC. If convicted, offenders could face up to 25 years in prison and thousands in fines for crimes ranging from property damage to manslaughter.
The Insurance Council of Australia has estimated there has been more than $700 million in fire damages reported since September.