21-year-old Derby man and 13-year-old girl charged after allegedly lighting multiple fires in Derby

A 21-year-old man and a 13-year-old girl have been charged by police after they allegedly lit multiple fires in separate incidents in Derby on the weekend of July 11 to 13.

On Friday, July 11, police say they responded to three vegetation fires burning close to nearby homes in bushland near Baobab Street, with Derby Department of Fire and Emergency Services volunteers quickly extinguishing the fires and preventing any property damage.

The 13-year-old girl was charged with breach of duty of person in control of ignition source or fire, and referred to the Juvenile Justice team.

Then on Saturday, July 12, police were called by concerned neighbours after numerous vegetation fires were lit on Derby Highway, near Conway Street.

While attending the scene, police allegedly found a 21-year-old man starting a sixth fire.

The man from Derby also allegedly ran from police and was apprehended after a short foot chase.

He has been charged with breach of duty of person in control of ignition source or fire, and will appear in Derby Magistrates Court later this month.