Police investigate whether Riverwood Public School grass fire was caused by NSW bushfires
Police are investigating a fire which damaged a south west Sydney public school’s play equipment.
The Express
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Police are investigating the cause of fire which cased around $30,000 worth of damage to Riverwood Public School.
The bush and grass fires spread fast on the Union St property due to the high winds on Saturday, January 4, according to Detective Chief Inspector Paul Albury.
The fire was spotted by a passing Campsie police car about 2.15pm with the Fire and Rescue trucks responding immediately afterwards.
Chief Insp Albury said at this moment there is “no evidence at this time to confirm that it is suspicious”.
He said there were fire embers cropping up in the area but police are keeping an open mind about the cause of the blaze.
“The fire was unusual for our area and we are keen to hear from members of the public if they know anything about the fire, Chief Insp Albury said.
“Due to prevailing weather conditions, the fire spread north east and destroyed an outdoor playground area with estimated damage of $30,000.”
An Education Department spokesman said despite the damage from the fire, the school will re-open as planned on January 28.
He said the fire affected a section of grassed area within the school and playground equipment, and a part of the council park that adjoins the school.
“The school’s playground equipment was extensively damaged and will be inaccessible for about 12 weeks while repairs are under way,” the spokesman said.
“The Department of Education has appointed an insurance loss assessor and is working to repair or replace the damaged area and play equipment.”
A Fire and Rescue NSW spokesman said three of their trucks were helped by a RFS crew to douse the flames after three hours.