On a day with a very high fire danger rating for the Far South Coast, it was discovered $7000-worth of batteries had been stolen from the fire tower near Wolumla.
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The solar panel batteries powered the tower's radios and as a result of the theft the tower is out of action until next week when the batteries can be replaced.
On Friday, NSW Rural Fire Service Superintendent John Cullen described the theft as "disconcerting" and "a pretty stupid act".
"It wasn't good, going into a day like yesterday with no radios on Wolumla Peak," he said.
"On days like yesterday, radios are so critical in terms of links with everybody.
"This infrastructure is put in place for the safety of the community."
But it is not even the first case of damage at a fire tower in the region this year.
Several months ago vandalism was reported at the fire tower on Peak Alone, near Cobargo.
"It didn't put the the tower out of action, but it damaged the infrastructure for the fire tower operators," Superintendent Cullen said.
Also, back in 2009 the Bega District News reported that the Wolumla Peak tower had been vandalised four times over 18 months.
Police are now investigating the recent theft at the Wolumla tower.
If you have any information on the incident, you can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page by clicking here.
Albert McKnight
Journalist at Bega District News.
Journalist at Bega District News.
