Police investigating Tara, Wieambilla fires

Detectives have zeroed in on a vehicle of interest as they investigate a spate of fires that razed nearly 5000ha on the Western Downs.

Arson detectives are investigating 12 suspicious fires in the Western Downs this year that led to 14 homes being destroyed, along with vehicles and 4600ha of land.

The fires took place in the Tara and Wieambilla areas and police have appealed for help and say a ’90s-model white Toyota LandCruiser utility was seen near several of the fire scenes

Investigators believe people involved in the suspicious fires could live around the Wieambilla area.

Police said seven fires were deliberately lit between January 29 and 30. There was another fire on February 4, another on February 12 and three small fires on April 17.

Thirteen homes were lost in the February 12 fire and police were forced to evacuate residents and animals and lock down the area.

The fire continued burning for several days, with the lockdown in place until February 14.

“As a result of the 12 blazes, a total of more than 4600ha of land and natural habitat were burned along with the destruction of 14 homes and a number of vehicles and other structures,” police said in a statement.

The Rural Fire Service battling bushfires at Tara

“Several persons were treated for smoke inhalation, but fortunately no one was seriously injured.

“Extensive investigations indicate the person/s involved in these arsons may reside in the Wieambilla area, with information indicating an early ’90s-model white Toyota LandCruiser utility was observed nearby several fire scenes.

“Police appeal to anyone who may have sighted a vehicle of this description in the local area around the time of these fires, or who has any information which may assist investigations, to immediately contact police.”

Detective Superintendent Craig McGrath said it was extremely lucky no one was seriously injured in the fires.

“Deliberately lighting a bushfire can have catastrophic consequences, both to individuals and in the community,” Supt McGrath said.

“Bushfires are a natural occurrence which play an important role in the sustainability of our environment – however the intentional starting of bushfires poses a significant risk to the public including the threat to life, property, the environment and wildlife.”

The Rural Fire Service battling bushfires at Tara

“There are heavy penalties for people convicted of arson, which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment,” he said.

“We urge anyone who has information, no matter how small, to come forward and help us put those responsible before the court.”

The Courier-Mail in March spoke to volunteer firefighters who said they were concerned for their safety while moving through remote properties, after the fatal ambush of two police officers and a neighbour in December 2022.

Constables Rachel McCrow, 29 and Matthew Arnold, 26, and Wieambilla resident Alan Dare were murdered by crazed trio Nathaniel, Stacey and Gareth Train after police went to their Wieambilla property.

Deputy Police Commissioner Tracy Linford said police and other law enforcement agencies had deemed the murders a “religiously motivated terrorist attack”. She said the Trains were “religious extremists” who were preparing for the “End of Days” as part of their Premillennialism belief system.

After the deaths firefighters were told to not go on to properties or to leave immediately if landowners said they were unhappy about volunteers on the property.

Information to Policelink on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Originally published as Police investigating Tara, Wieambilla fires