Police hunt fire bug after three suspicious blazes in Lower Plenty
A dangerous fire bug is on the run after three suspicious blazes in the tree-laden outer northeast suburb of Lower Plenty early this morning as the state braced for a day of total fire ban and code red conditions.
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A dangerous fire bug is on the run after three suspicious blazes in the tree-laden outer northeast suburb of Lower Plenty early this morning.
As a day of total fire ban dawned across the state, with temperatures tipped to reach 39C in Melbourne and the fire danger very high, three blazes appear to have been lit along the Plenty River Trail between 1.30am and 3am.
Detectives have issued an urgent call for information and witnesses as they try to track down the reckless fire starter.
The first fire occurred at the end of Edward Willis Court and near the Heidelberg Golf Club and Lower Plenty Hotel.
Firefighters were called to Old Lower Plenty Rd to reports of a tree fire about 2.30am.
The incident was declared safe three minutes after they arrived.
Another blaze was set further along the trail below a footbridge over the Plenty River and the third occurred near the intersection of Seymour Rd and Martins Lane.
The incident came as some parts of Victoria were preparing for code red fire danger today.
Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp warned today’s conditions would be extremely hot and windy, particularly in the north of the state.
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Police have urged anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage of a person or vehicle in the area to contact Heidelberg crime investigation unit on 9450 8135 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.