Two teens charged after fire started in Mount Gambier toilet block Saturday night

Two teens have been arrested and charged after a fire at a popular tourist spot – the fourth in four months – which was posted online.

Two teens have been arrested after starting a fire at a toilet block at the Mount Gambier Railway Lands precinct. Picture: Jessica Dempster

A pair of teens have been arrested and charged after a fire inside a toilet block at the Mount Gambier Railway Lands on Saturday night, video of which was posted online.

While no significant damage was caused, the small blaze has sparked calls to increase CCTV surveillance in the area to better protect and monitor one of the city’s most popular precincts.

Just before 7:30 Saturday night, police were called to a toilet block on Railway Terrace, responding to reports of a fire.

A small fire was lit in a sink using matches, rubbish and a can of deodorant, a video of the incident posted to Snapchat showed.

Two teens have been arrested after starting a fire at a toilet block at the Mount Gambier Railway Lands precinct. Picture: Supplied

A group of teenagers alerted staff at the nearby Woolstore Brewery about the blaze, who reported it to authorities.

The fire was extinguished by a member of the public who came across it and turned on the tap. Damage from the flames was limited to the hand basin.

Following a search of the area, two teenagers were arrested nearby.

A 14-year-old girl and a 15-year-old boy were both charged with property damage and bailed to appear in the Mount Gambier Youth Court at a later date.

The fire is the fourth blaze lit at the Railway Lands in as many months, including a small one on a paved area last Saturday extinguished by a city councillor and two in March – one of which destroyed about 50m worth of plants.

A fire was lit in March in a garden area of the Mount Gambier Railway Lands. Picture: Jessica Dempster

Councillor Josh Lynagh said it highlighted the urgent need for additional CCTV surveillance at the Railway Lands.

“I had to put out last week’s fire. It’s really disappointing seeing what people get up to for a bit of fun,” Mr Lynagh said.

“As frustrating as this is, I’ll be using this to strengthen my case for further CCTV in the Railway Lands.

“The Railway Lands is a great space and the plans for the future are incredible, with the city growing we definitely need to make sure it’s safe for people to use at all times.”

Two teens have been arrested after starting a fire at a toilet block at the Mount Gambier Railway Lands precinct. Picture: Jessica Dempster

Recently, council said it will be delivering a ‘Learn to Ride’ playspace - designed to boost children’s cycling safety and confidence - on the western platform at the Lands in the next few months.

Two other play spaces are also proposed for the precinct, with draft concept designs for a youth space and nature play space currently under development.

Mr Lynagh said given the plans council has for building the space, it’s important for the area to be protected and for people visiting the precinct to feel safe.

Mount Gambier Council has been contacted for comment.