Dozens of homes evacuated in suspicious Taylors Lakes fire

A Taylors Lakes grassfire that forced dozens to evacuate has been deemed suspicious, with police releasing CCTV of a man they wish to speak to.

Detectives have released CCTV footage of a man on a bike they wish to speak to in relation to a suspicious grassfire that forced the evacuation of dozens of homes.

Earlier police reports noted two fires were sparked near the Calder Freeway in Taylors Lakes on Monday afternoon.

Brimbank detective Senior Constable Euan Thoms on Thursday said both fires were now believed to be part of the same blaze which police believed may have been deliberately lit.

Police wish to speak to this man who was seen in the area about the time of the fire. Picture: Victoria Police

The fire was sparked about 3.30pm in paddocks behind Rowlandson Place and Rowell Place and threatened nearby homes.

About 40 homes were evacuated as firefighters fought to get the fire under control.

Sen-Constable Thoms said conditions on the day were hot and dry and if were not for the quick response of firefighters and police the situation may have been much worse.

No one was injured in the grassfires. Picture: Josie Hayden

“We have CCTV footage in the local area that suggests a person was in the vicinity of the area at the time of the offence,” Sen-Constable Thoms said.

“One property had damage to the windows and curtains. Another property a shed has had significant damage to both the shed and tools inside the shed.

“That’s of particular concern to police that fire got particularly close to residential properties … it is of great concern to myself and police that a person is deliberately lighting fires in residential streets.”

Detectives at the scene of a suspicious grassfire that was lit in Taylors Lakes on Monday afternoon, January 11. Picture: Rebecca DiNuzzo

No one was injured but fences and sheds on some of the properties were damaged.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online.