Police release video and plea with public for more information on Stirling fire

Police have released more drone footage of the devastating Stirling shopping centre fire as they make another appeal for witnesses.

Police have released drone footage showing the extent of the damage fire caused at the Stirling shopping centre earlier this month as they make another appeal for information.

The video’s release comes after Mount Barker police on Friday called for witnesses who were in the area around the time of the fire and had not yet spoken to police.

Since that appeal, about 80 people have spoken to detectives and provided information on what they saw on the day of the fire.

Police say some of this information will be crucial to the case.

More than 100 firefighters battled the blaze at the Stirling Village shopping centre on the afternoon of October 15, after crews were called to Woolworths following reports a fire ignited in the aisles.

Later that night, two 14-year-olds from Heathfield and Bridgewater were charged with arson after the blaze caused more than $25 million damage, destroyed the Woolworths supermarket and caused significant damage to many other businesses.

They were bailed to appear in the Mount Barker Youth Court on December 14.

More than 100 firefighters battled the blaze at the Stirling Village shopping centre. Picture: Morgan Sette

The wreckage of the Stirling Village Shopping centre taken from a drone. Picture: The Advertiser

The huge Stirling fire sent plumes of smoke across the hills. Picture: Morgan Sette

Fire investigators at the scene of the Stirling Village Shopping centre fire after it was completely destroyed. Photo: Naomi Jellicoe

During a press conference on Friday police appealed for anyone with information about the Stirling blaze to come forward.

“It could be any information, whether it be big or small – a piece of information may seem small to you but it may form part of a bigger picture,” Insp Vaninetti said.

“There were a lot of people in the supermarket at the time so there are definitely potential witnesses who have not spoken to police yet.”

Insp Vaninetti said the entire community had been hit by the devastating fire.

“The impact of this fire is greater than just Woolworths, there are a lot of surrounding businesses that were affected by this fire and a lot of people were displaced from their employment,” he said.

“There’s a ripple effect around this.”

If you have information that may assist the investigation and haven’t yet spoken to Detectives, or have information but wish to remain anonymous, please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au. Quote reference 23-158M.