A 10-year-old boy has been detained by police after allegedly starting several grassfires just metres from homes in Adelaide’s north.
CCTV shows the moment the child rode his scooter into thick scrub minutes before fire erupted.
The video also shows nearby witnesses trying desperately to put out the flames.
Whilst the security footage showed a boy riding a scooter, what he does next is not captured on camera.
Moments later the 10-year-old fled and smoke began to fill the air.
He then returns again before a passer by is seen attempting to stomp on a fire.
Footage shows the boy return a third time before the blaze takes hold.
Firefighters were called to the corner of Turnbull and Tindall roads just after 5pm.
They said they soon discovered more fires down the path.
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Police were then called as a priority.
“We believe we’ve got a juvenile arsonist in the area, who has actually just started another grass fire nearby that we’ll get to work with,” they said.
Police arrived and took the boy away.
The alleged arson took place just metres from homes.
Three separate fires were lit in total, with one of them inside a 3.5-hectare native bushland reserve, police said.
A resident, Sandra Agostino, said: “Last night I was getting ready and I could to like go out and I could smell smoke throughout the house.”
Another resident, Pam Russell, told 9News: “It could be really dangerous for the houses at the back there.”
The boy has been reported for recklessly endangering property. He is now expected to be dealt with through the juvenile justice system.
