Burning tax records sparked bushfire that destroyed two homes
Michael John Davis pleaded guilty to starting a December 2025 bushfire near Launceston when burning tax records in a fire pit.
Michael John Davis, 56, burned tax documents in a fire pit at his parents' St Helens property on the Tasman Highway in December 2025 while smoking cigarettes. Davis left the fire unattended to make lunch, thinking it was out.
About 30 minutes later, he found bushland burning 10 metres away. Fire investigators suspect wind blew lit papers into the scrub.
Davis tried dousing it with buckets but failed. The fire destroyed two homes and infrastructure.
He pleaded guilty to failing to take reasonable precautions to prevent fire spread and low-range drink-driving. Davis now lives in Indonesia and works part-time for oil and gas companies.
His lawyer warned conviction risks his visa renewal.
- 56 years old
- Age
- December 12, 2025
- Fire date
- St Helens, Tasman Highway
- Location
- Two homes and infrastructure
- Destroyed
Why it mattersThe case shows how quickly a backyard fire can spiral into catastrophic loss when left unattended, even briefly.
AustraliaTasmanian residents learn the legal and personal cost of negligence with fire, especially during dry season when wind spreads flames fast.
