Detectives investigate reports of strange activity on North Rothbury fire ground
Although a cause is yet to be determined, Hunter Valley police will continue to treat the blaze as suspicious until evidence proves otherwise.
Newcastle
Don't miss out on the headlines from Newcastle. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Identities revealed of Newcastle men who died in cricket games
- Box of chocolates for North Rothbury fire hero neighbour
Detectives are ramping up their investigation into the cause of the North Rothbury bushfire that damaged several homes during the catastrophic conditions on Tuesday.
Although a cause is yet to be determined, Hunter Valley police will continue to treat the blaze as suspicious until evidence proves otherwise.
And the significant amount of information being forwarded to police regarding strange activity near the fire – as well as high levels of social media commentary – has prompted senior police to place several detectives on the case.
Hunter Valley crime manager Detective Inspector Steve Benson said investigators had been unable to pinpoint the area and possible source of the fire during a search of the fire grounds on Wednesday after a nearby blaze sparked up again and forced them to retreat.
Detective Inspector Benson confirmed detectives were investigating several lines of inquiry in relation to how the blaze started.
The fire broke out just after midday and quickly jumped Wine Country Drive to threaten the small community off North Rothbury.
Several buildings were damaged despite the heroic work of firefighters.
The source of a second blaze at nearby Greta also remains unknown, with an ember attack from the North Rothbury blaze being the most likely.
Within hours of the fires, social media was ablaze with possible scenarios regarding the source of the emergency.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Suspect’s nudie run after gun found in stolen car
A bush manhunt by cops on foot and in the air north of Newcastle has failed to find any trace of a pantless driver wanted after officers recovered a gun from a stolen car.
Bikie’s tighty whitey drug stash uncovered after dunny assault
A fight night bathroom assault at a Newcastle club led cops to the home of a nominee Nomads bikie, where officers then uncovered drugs and cash, some of which was stashed in his undies.