Karrakatta Cemetery suspicious fire: Woman charged after allegedly causing $1 million worth of damage

A woman has been charged with lighting a series of fires at cemeteries across Perth, including forcing entry and setting fire to a chapel at Karrakatta Cemetery that caused about $1 million in damage. Crews from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services were called to Karrakatta Cemetery about 11.30pm on Tuesday after Norfolk Chapel went up in flames. Firefighters extinguished the blaze however the back part of the chapel, including the condolences lounge, was left gutted, with an estimated $1 million worth of damage. Police took the 28-year-old woman into custody after Karrakatta Cemetery handed police CCTV footage of the incident. It is alleged the woman, from Mandurah, forced entry into the chapel and set fire to items inside. Police also claim she is responsible for setting fire to a shed at a Parklands Cemetery on September 27 which destroyed the contents inside. It is also alleged she sparked another fire in a small shed at the same cemetery in Parklands on September 30. The 28-year-old has been charged with burglary and three counts of criminal damage by fire. She will face Perth Magistrates Court on Wednesday. Specialist officers from the Arson Squad returned to the cemetery on Wednesday morning to investigate. Police Commissioner Col Blanch said officers had obtained CCTV footage of the incident, allowing officers to take the woman into custody. “Thankfully, Karrakatta have CCTV, so we can see the offence occurring. We do have a woman in her 20s in custody assisting the arson squad at the moment today,” he said. Mr Blanch said it is believed she was the only person involved. “I think that is very sad for our community, that a place of not only worship but certainly where loved ones have been buried. I think it’s really sad.” A Metropolitan Cemeteries Board spokesperson confirmed no funeral services had been impacted on Wednesday. “The Board is very disappointed that this incident has occurred, and we are working proactively with funeral directors to minimise impact on the community,” the spokesperson said. “I can confirm that no services have been impacted today.” Officers are urging anyone who saw any suspicious activity, or persons, or has dash-cam vision of the area between 11pm and midnight, to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestopperswa.com.au. Rewards of up to $25,000 are available for information that leads to the identification and conviction of an arsonist.