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Global

Australia to lift arson penalty after bush inferno


    CANBERRA (Reuters) - Australia plans to increase arson penalties to 25 years in jail after deadly bushfires two months ago which killed 173 people and engulfed entire communities, national and state legal lawmakers said Friday.

    The February 7 "Black Saturday" fires, driven by cyclonic winds, destroyed more than 2,000 dwellings and left 7,500 people homeless in Southeast Victoria state. Several blazes were caused by arson, including one which razed the resort town of Marysville.

    "Given the incredible damage to property and loss of life that can be caused by bushfires, it is critical that offences across Australia are consistent and effective, and those sentences reflect the seriousness of this crime," national Attorney-General Robert McClelland said.

    Arson laws currently vary from state to state.

    Australia has launched its biggest arson investigation into the fires, which Prime Minister Kevin Rudd described as "mass murder."

    Australian media Friday reported police were preparing to charge a suspect over the Marysville fire, which killed 34 people, and said the person under suspicion was a volunteer firefighter.

    (Reporting by Rob Taylor; Editing by David Fox)