Police hunting arsonist behind string of grass fires
A serial arsonist is on the loose in Bendigo and you will be shocked by what’s being used to light the blazes. See the details.
A firebug has lit 14 separate blazes in the Bendigo region in the past three weeks, taking advantage of hot dry weather conditions including strong winds and low rainfall.
Detectives from the Bendigo Crime Investigation Unit believe the arsonist has been using little more than sparklers to light fires.
Leading Senior Constable Andrew Heazlewood said the fires had all been lit along rural roadsides, frequently near houses and spreading into crops.
“Thankfully none of these fires have caused any significant damage so far,” he said.
“However, with the right weather conditions a small grassfire could turn into a dangerous bushfire.”
Sen Constable Heazlewood has urged members of the public to come forward with any information about the fires, or what they may have seen in the areas around the times the fires started.
The fires detectives believe are linked are:
THREE fires were lit in grasslands at the vicinity of River and Myola-Barnadown roads, Muskerry about 6.30am on December 29,
A FIRE was lit in grass and bushland on River Road, Myola about 3pm on January 2,
TWO fires were lit in grassland along the side of Keane Road, Diggora about 7.30am on January 6,
FOUR fires were lit in grassland along River Road, Muskerry about 5am on January 6, and
THREE fires were lit in grassland on Yorkshire Road, Wilsons Hill, and a further fire at a rest stop near the Marong Primary School about 3pm on January 9.
“We are asking members of the public to think back if they were in these areas at the time of the fires and report any information that might be helpful,” Sen Constable Heazlewood said.
“We are also urging people to keep an eye out for any suspicious behaviour or cars parked on the side of the road near some of the fire areas to come forward.”
Any witnesses or anyone with vision is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit here.
