General News
17 January, 2025
Suspicious fires investigated
Central Goldfields Crime Investigation Unit detectives are seeking any information the public may have surrounding four separate suspicious fires in Moliagul this month.
Emergency services attended to three seperate scrub fires near the Wimmera Highway, Cherry Garden Track and Bealiba-Moliagul Road around 4 pm on January 5.
They also were called to a scrub fire near O’Brien’s Dam Road around 6 pm on January 11.
Investigators believe the fires were deliberately lit inland near dirt tracks that weren’t visible from the road.
While no one was injured in these fires, and all were extinguished quickly, Detective Inspector Dan Davison said ultimately it’s a lot of luck that a major fire hasn’t come from deliberately lit fires in the area.
“The weather [being] favourable enough that [fires] haven’t spread too quickly for first responding firefighters and the fact they’ve been able to attend to them rapidly has stopped potential catastrophe that’s for sure,” he said.
Detectives are keen to speak with anyone who might have information, dash cam footage, or have noticed suspicious activity in the area at the time.
“We’re really keen to hear from the public in relation to anything they may know, that little hunch that they might have about something they’ve seen, that small piece of information could be all it takes for us to put the entire jigsaw puzzle together,” Det Insp Davison said.
Det Insp Davison also encourages the public to report any suspicious activity they might see out in the bush.
“We just want everyone that’s out and about using the bush to be vigilant. If they see something that’s a bit odd then it’s most likely a little odd,” he said.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au