QFES fire investigators called back to Wieambilla fireground

An investigation is under way to determine who started a suspicious bushfire within a kilometre of the Wieambilla property where Constables Rachel McCrow and Matthew Arnold were murdered

In the days leading up to the funeral of Wieambilla shooting victim Alan Dare, fire crews fought valiantly to save the hero’s property, among others, from a suspicious fire.

Fire crews and water bombers were called to battle the blaze and included a relief task force called up from Gold Coast, Logan and the Lockyer Valley.

Included in those properties was the home of Alan Dare, the good Samaritan who went to help Constables Rachel McCrow and Matthew Arnold after they were murdered by the Trains on Monday, December 12.

Rural Fire Service south west regional manager Superintendent Manager Waltisbuhl said the fire started on Tuesday and quickly spread across multiple properties along Wains Road and Marys Road at Wieambilla through Wednesday and into Thursday.

“Alan’s property was well protected and preserved, with the help of the Western Downs Regional Council, Kerry Dare was relocated to a hotel that night,” he said.

A police contingent will today attend the funeral of Alan Dare, the man murdered alongside constables Arnold and McCrow when he drove to the property of Gareth and Stacey Train to investigate.

Supt Waltisbuhl said initial investigations suggest the fire was deliberately lit.

“Fires don’t just start on their own,” he said

“Two fire investigators are coming out to finalise to what the local crews have been able to determine

“If we have suspicion of arson we will hand that information to police and it may form part of an overall inquiry into what has happened (with the police murders).”

Constable Matthew Arnold.

Constable Rachel McCrow.

Supt Waltisbuhl said it was a gallant effort from from the fire crews.

“The effort from all firefighters on Tuesday night and through Wednesday in saving every structure within the block was nothing short of amazing,” he said.

“On Tuesday night there were about six homes under threat and we had a lot of resources out there.

“Every house had a truck parked at it and when they saved one they moved on to another.

“It was a joint operation between ourselves, the Western Downs Regional Council and the police.

“Police were still door knocking homes in that area into the night, which must have been tough for them walking down those long driveways at night to warn people about the fire.”

Stacey Train.

Brothers Gareth Train (left) and Nathaniel Train (back).

While the Wieambilla fire has been extinguished, authorities are concerned for the wide area with a high fire danger forecast through the Christmas and New Year’s period.

“Everything is starting to dry a little but our primary concerns are the areas around Goondiwindi and the Western Downs, which is where we have had fires in recent weeks,” Supt Waltisbuhl said.

“Many of those fires were started by lightning strikes.”