Hidden cameras are being rolled out in north coast New South Wales state forests in a bid to prevent people deliberately lighting bushfires.
The Forestry Corporation of NSW said 70 additional cameras were going into forests around Wauchope, Taree, the Hunter, Coffs and Casino.
Forest protection manager Karel Zejbrlik said ranger patrols were also being ramped up in all state forests to try and catch arsonists, after a spate of suspicious fires.
"The people lighting these fires are criminals," Mr Zejbrlik said.
"They're not only putting the lives of members of the public in danger, but firefighters.
"The activities these arsonists are conducting are criminal activities, and it can take a week to stop and round up the fires that they are causing.
"That whole time we have people at risk of being killed."
Mr Zejbrlik said there were now 120 infrared-equipped cameras concealed in strategic north coast locations.
"They are well hidden and they are state-of-the-art. The idea is we will collect data," he said.
"We can capture number plates, we can capture faces of people entering the forests or leaving forests.
"If there are any fires started there, we'll be able to look at that data and hand it over to the authorities to follow up if necessary."
