'Not a pyromaniac': Teen who set off Perth Hills bushfire avoids jail

A 19-year-old named Luke Grguric who set off a homemade firecracker causing a bushfire in the Perth Hills on New Year's Day has been spared jail time. The fire, which erupted in Kalamunda after Grguric watched New Year's Eve fireworks, forced the evacuation of many properties and left around 2,000 homes without power. The blaze, which required approximately 160 emergency personnel to combat, destroyed about 25 hectares of native vegetation.

Grguric, during his court appearance, expressed deep remorse for his actions. His lawyer, Alex Smith, emphasized that Grguric is not a pyromaniac and that the incident was an isolated, foolish and reckless accident. Smith noted that Grguric had attempted to put out the fire by stomping on it and promptly alerted both neighbors and emergency services upon realizing the severity of the situation.

The court dismissed Grguric's plea of guilty to the charge of failing to ensure a fire or ignition source wouldn't cause an uncontrollable blaze. District Court judge Martin Flynn described the case as a "serious breach of duty", yet acknowledged Grguric's appropriate behavior in the aftermath. Grguric declined to speak to the media post-sentencing.