Detectives probe if suspicious fires at vacant Geelong properties are linked

A spate of suspicious fires that tore through abandoned homes in the Geelong region may be linked as detectives probe the blazes.

Forensic investigators at a house fire in Breakwater on September 21. Picture: Brad Fleet.

Geelong detectives are investigating if a spate of suspicious fires that tore through abandoned homes across the region this month are linked.

Detectives from Geelong Crime Investigation Unit (CIU) have been called in to investigate at least four suspicious fires at vacant properties in September.

CIU Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Guthrie said it was unknown if the incidents were linked and the motive remains unclear.

It’s understood detectives are pursuing a number of possibilities in their investigation.

“While these fires occurred at vacant properties, police are deeply concerned about the potential risks they may pose to residents in the community,” Sergeant Guthrie said.

Geelong Crime Investigation Unit Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Guthrie. Picture: Alan Barber.

“We want to reassure the community that there is no immediate cause for alarm.

“We strongly encourage anyone with information or CCTV to come forward, as your assistance could be vital in helping police resolve these cases.”

Most recently, fire crews were called to a blaze on Cosgrove St in Breakwater about 7.30pm on September 21.

The inside of the single storey brick home was completely destroyed and a crime scene was established.

Forensic investigators gathered evidence at the scene and took photos of the damage.

A house on Whites Rd in Mount Duneed went up in flames the same day.

The single storey weatherboard home was abandoned and graffiti was scrawled across the shed.

Fire crews were also called to a home on Boundary Rd in Charlemont on September 15.

A property on the corner of Boundary and Horseshoe Bend roads in Charlemont was also completely destroyed in a suspicious blaze about 6pm on September 8.

A house fire on the corner of Boundary and Horseshoe Bend roads in Charlemont on September 8. Picture: Lincoln Holmes

The property had been abandoned in recent months.

Photos of the blaze shared to social media showed thick smoke and flames as high as 4m.

Authorities are concerned the fires are occurring leading into fire season.

Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council said in its outlook for spring that there was an increased risk of bushfires in the state’s far west and southwest, which includes some parts of Geelong.

In June, Belmont residents were concerned bizarre tree fires started by a mystery arsonist were becoming more common and feared the blazes could lead to a house burning down.

Originally published as Detectives probe if suspicious fires at vacant Geelong properties are linked