Specialist detectives release image of man suspected of lighting Tara, Wieambilla fires

Queensland detectives have released more details of the man who is alleged to have been responsible for destroying thousands of hectares of bushland in the Western Downs earlier this year.

Authorities have revealed more information regarding the man they believed to be involved in lighting thousands of hectares of bushland in the Western Downs region earlier this year.

Police reported 12 fires were lit between the months of January, February and April this year, which forced residents and animals in the Wieambilla and Tara areas to evacuate their homes with authorities locking down the area.

More than 4600 hectares of land was destroyed along with 14 homes and a number of vehicles and other structures.

Specialist arson detectives from the Crime and Intelligence Command have released a computerised image of the man they are alleging was involved in lighting the blazes.

The man is described as being in his late 40s, 175cm in tall with a proportionate build, fair complexion and grey hair and beard.

Specialist detectives release vehicle suspected of being involved in Tara, Wieambilla fires.

Detectives have also released an image they believed to be of the vehicle involved that has a distinctive metal frame visible on the utility’s tray.

Any residents with information regarding the identity of the man or vehicle, and ongoing investigation are urged to contact Policelink by calling 131 444.

Tara residents experienced a tumultuous start to the year, coming off the horrific event that included two constables being gunned down at a Wieambilla property than a string of life-ruining blazes.

“We have a bad reputation going around and now people not only figuratively have lost things but literally as well,” one resident said.

The community banded together to offer support in the way of accommodation, food and pet supplies to ensure they stayed afloat during the difficult period.

Originally published as Specialist detectives release image of man suspected of lighting Tara, Wieambilla fires