Fires in the dark

POLICE believe 10 grass fires started in Casey on Sunday night were deliberately lit.
Casey Crime Investigation Unit (CIU) detectives are seeking public assistance as they investigate the suspicious fires that occurred in the Berwick and Clyde North area.
The first occurred about 7.45pm at Sweeney Reserve, in Berwick, where an area about 30 metres by 10 metres was burnt along the driveway which joins the park to the Monash Freeway.
While overhead, the police Air Wing observed a secondary fire, also in Sweeney Reserve, along the drain line among trees – about 200 metres from the other one.
These fires were extinguished by the CFA and deemed suspicious.
About 8.50pm police and CFA crews were also called to an area in Clyde North.
Emergency services personnel found up to eight grass fires at different locations along the roadside – two along Thompsons Road, two on Pound Road, two on Grices Road and two on Soldiers Road – about 500 metres apart from each other.
All fires were extinguished by CFA units before they were able to spread. Casey CIU Detective Senior Constable Chris Russo urged to public to come forward with any information.
“This behaviour is disgusting and reckless,” he said.
“People don’t understand how dangerous it is, especially in these areas that have an urban rural interface, which is common in Casey and Cardinia.
“If not for the quick and efficient response for the CFA and the diligence of people in the area who alerted us to these fires quickly, the danger to life and property could have been a lot higher.
“There’s urgency for public information on this.”
Police wish to speak to anyone who may have seen anything suspicious or witnessed any vehicles parked on these roads prior to the fires being extinguished.
Those with information can choose to remain anonymous and call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.