Alleged Tara arsonists have matters returned to Dalby Magistrates Court

The cases of two men who allegedly lit eight out of the 12 fires in the Western Downs have hit court again just two weeks after detectives revealed a new lead in the remaining arson offences. See the latest.

A father and son duo will not have their matters mentioned in court again until next year, with their arson offences both being adjourned to January 2024 in Dalby Magistrates Court.

Jayden Thomas Robert Lamb, 23, and Dwayne Paul Lamb, 48, were both charged with seven counts of setting fire to vegetation and one count each of arson to a structure of building and were remanded in custody in August.

The pair had their matters mentioned in court on November 7 where defence lawyer Brad Skuse asked for both men to have their matters adjourned until January 16.

The court was told the 23-year-old had registry committal documents filed early on Tuesday, and that the 48-year-old was expected to have a conference with his representatives from McConnell and Saldumbide lawyers later this week, also expecting to have his matters go to a registry committal.

Both men have not had to appear in court yet and remain remanded in custody.

The Bishop property on Charles Dr, Tara following the devastating fire Bushfire on February 14 2023. Picture: Contributed

It comes only two weeks after detectives revealed they suspected a third arsonist is still at large for one of the fires they believed to be deliberately lit in Wieambilla on February 12.

Police said the fire started on Timothy Rd and Wallaby Track and burnt 917ha of land, impacted 20 properties, destroyed 16 dwellings, 22 vehicles and 15 sheds.

Detective Superintendent Craig McGrath said police were particularly interested in speaking with the person who made the initial triple-0 call at 1.45pm February 12.

While investigations into the February 2023 fires continue, Queensland Police have said the most recent bushfires that burnt 20,000ha of land across the Western Downs and forced hundreds of residents into evacuation centres were not a result of arson.

Originally published as Alleged Tara arsonists have matters returned to Dalby Magistrates Court