Daniel Gunter Preuss: Wooroloo fire accused back behind bars facing serious drug charge after undercover sting

The man accused of causing the horrific Wooroloo bushfire in 2021 is back behind bars and facing a serious drug charge after he was arrested as part of a covert police operation in Albany last month. On February 8, Albany detectives swooped on the Hilton Garden Inn, alongside the port city’s marina, after a detailed surveillance operation into drug dealing. Four people were arrested and three charged as part of the undercover operation, including Daniel Gunter Preuss who was on bail for his alleged involvement in the bushfire that destroyed 86 homes. Detectives pounced on Mr Preuss and another man near the hotel, while two others fled on foot before they were arrested in broad daylight at Anzac Peace Park at the bottom of the port city’s main street. Police allege they found Mr Preuss in possession of nearly 20g of methamphetamine when he was searched. They also say he was in possession of a mobile phone which was thrown into the water when police arrived, before it was recovered. Mr Preuss was charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell and supply and made a brief court appearance in Albany on February 9 where he was remanded in custody. He reappeared in Albany Magistrates Court on March 2 and the matter was adjourned for further legal advice until March 16. Mr Preuss was previously charged in July 2021 over the Wooroloo inferno and then received bail in October 2022. He is due to stand trial in February 2024. The fire, described as one of the worst in WA history, devastated communities in the Perth Hills, destroying more than 80 homes, tearing through more than 10,000ha and costing insurers nearly $100 million. Mr Preuss is accused of starting the fire with an angle grinder he was using to remove a padlock from a sea container. The 41-year-old pleaded not guilty to failing to reasonably ensure that an ignition source would not cause a fire that could not be controlled. There was a total fire ban on that day but it is not alleged that Mr Preuss deliberately lit the blaze. Albany detectives said investigations were ongoing after also seizing a stolen Isuzu D-Max during the operation. “Acting on community information we were able to identify the persons responsible,” Albany Det-Sen. Sgt Darryl Noye said. “We maintained surveillance on those persons of interest until we were best placed to effect an arrest while they were in possession of illicit drugs. “We are always willing to act on community information to reduce drug trafficking into Albany and to protect the community.” The male and female that allegedly fled from detectives were arrested after a short chase. Police say they seized cash and mobile phones from a bag the man was carrying and he was searched along with his accomplice who was allegedly found in possession of drug paraphernalia. That pair were hit with minor drug charges while the man arrested alongside Mr Preuss was released without charge.