10 suspicious fires in Shepparton and Mooroopna area in six weeks
Yambuna fire: A fire in the bush at Yambuna on January 2 is believed to have been deliberately lit. Photo: Mick Crompton
It is believed 10 fires in bushland in the Shepparton and Mooroopna area in less than six weeks were deliberately lit.
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In that same time, another bushfire is believed to have been deliberately lit in bushland along the Goulburn River at Yambuna.
Shepparton Crime Investigation Unit Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Jason Williams said police were investigating 10 fires in the bushland along the Shepparton-Mooroopna causeway and in the Gemmill Swamp Wildlife Reserve areas.
The fires were started between November 29 and January 6.
Investigations into the fires are continuing, including whether one or more firebugs were involved.
“We’re open to it being the possibility of the same person lighting all these fires,” Det Sen Sgt Williams said.
While the 10 fires were extinguished before they became large, Det Sen Sgt Williams said police were concerned they could have had the potential to be disastrous.
“The result of the action is potentially catastrophic,” he said.
“It could lead to the loss of property or the loss of life.”
Det Sen Sgt Williams said the fires were all lit in grass in bush areas, with each burning about 50 or 60sq/m before the quick action of passers-by or firefighters to extinguish them.
“There are concerns one of thee fires could have caused catastrophic damage, or worse, claimed lives,” he said.
“It’s absolutely of great concern to police and the fire service.
“Resources are already stretched and we have had a wet season with long dry grass now around.”
Echuca Police Crime Investigation Unit is also investigating a fire at Yambuna on January 2 that burned about 35ha of river red gum forest area along the Goulburn River.
Alight: A Yambuna fire, believed to have been deliberately lit on January 2, destroyed about 35ha of forest. Photo: Mick Crompton
Echuca Police Crime Investigation Unit Detective Senior Constable Jason Hare said the fire had two ignition points and police believe it was suspiciously lit.
With many people camping along the river at that time of year, Det Sen Constable Hare said lighting a fire was “really dangerous”.
“It was really lucky there was no-one hurt,” he said.
“In that timeframe ... it’s very dangerous.”
Both officers urged people to report anything they see that is suspicious, whether in relation to these fires, or in the future.
“It is important that people who see or hear things, no matter how trivial, that they contact the CIU or Crime Stoppers,” Det Sen Sgt Williams said.
“It may be that one piece of information that cracks open the case.”
Det Sen Sgt Williams said police were particularly interested in any vehicle registrations of descriptions of people seen near a fire or who appear to be gathering materials that looked like they were going to start a fire.
In these cases, he urged people to call 000 to alert police and firefighters immediately.
If you have any information about any of the fires, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au
You can also contact Shepparton CIU about the Shepparton and Mooroopna fires on 5820 5777 or Echuca CIU about the Yambuna fire on 5483 1500.
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