Finding Yellow home care facility in Cessnock targeted by alleged arson attacks, man charged

A man charged after a Cessnock care facility was allegedly the target of two arson attacks on the same day, while police investigate a suspected attempted arson attack at Rutherford.

Cessnock’s disability service Finding Yellow had one of their care facilities targeted by an alleged arson attack on Thursday. Picture: Google Maps

A home care facility for people with a disability in Cessnock has allegedly been targeted by two brazen arson attacks in one day.

One of ‘Finding Yellow’s’ facilities on Hutton St – a disability support and accommodation service – was first hit at 5am on Thursday where police allege a “flammable object” was thrown at the kitchen door.

It sparked a fire at the property which was quickly extinguished by an employee before NSW Fire and Rescue were called.

Disability service in Cessnock Finding Yellow had one of their care facilities targeted by an alleged arson attack on Thursday, Oct 27. A man has been charged. Picture: Google Maps

Then later that afternoon, police allege another “flammable object” was thrown at the kitchen door at around 4.45pm, staff again having to put it out.

Finding Yellow CEO Sam Sooialo said it was a shock to staff, but they acted quickly.

“Fortunately for us we’ve just gone through fire training, one of those things we practise quite regularly, and they were able to move our participants to the evacuation point,” he said.

“Our auto alert alarm was pressed and the police and fire turned up and our staff member was able to put the fire out which was relatively small.

Hutton street, Cessnock, where a “Finding Yellow’ disability care facility was targeted by two alleged arson attacks. Picture: Google Maps

“We’ve got screen doors so relatively minor damage, already got our maintenance people there to sort it out.”

Fortunately none of the residents inside were injured.

Following an investigation by Hunter Valley Police, 46-year-old Dean Anthony Smith was arrested by officers nearby and was taken to Cessnock Police Station.

He was charged with two counts of damage property by fire and was refused bail in Cessnock Local Court on Friday, his matters adjourned until next month.

Avery Street, Rutherford where there was a suspected attempted arson attack. Police are investigating. Google Maps

Meanwhile, police are investigating a suspected attempted arson attack at Rutherford.

About 8.30pm on Thursday, NSW Fire and Rescue were called to a home on Avery Street after reports of a loud explosion on the street.

Occupants started to put out a small blaze at the rear of a Chrysler sedan parked outside before fire crews arrived to extinguish the blaze.

A crime scene was set-up and the car seized for forensic examination, as Port Stephens-Hunter detectives continue their inquiries.

Anyone who may have CCTV or dashcam footage between 8pm and 8.45pm in the Rutherford area is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.