CFA Southern Metropolitan operations manager Trevor Owen is warning residents to be wary of fires this summer. 75524
By Emma Sun
A RECENT spate of deliberately lit fires in the Casey area has prompted calls by police and the CFA for residents to be wary of suspicious behaviour in the coming months.
Four grass fires were reported in the area over the past few weeks.
The first occurred on 20 December in Narre Warren South about 5pm where grass was set alight next to a drain in River Gum Creek Reserve in Leida Street and spread about 30 metres.
The CFA were in attendance, and no damage was done to any property.
Plants and vegetation in Meteor Park, Cranbourne, was set on fire on two consecutive nights last Friday and Saturday about 8pm.
CFA crews at the scene said no accelerant was used, and described the fire as a small fire that could’ve burned itself out.
Police believe youths were involved in the two incidents.
On Monday about 2.15am, youths were seen at a playground across the road from 38 Bridgewater Boulevard in Berwick where a fire was lit.
The fire was put out prior to police and CFA arrival.
Leading Senior Constable Mick Gledhill from the Narre Warren Police Station said grass fires were of particular concern to police.
“There are two types of arsonists – one that starts a grass fire and the other often targets play equipments and uses the bark as accelerant,” he said.
“(The fires) are of concern, and it’s highly likely that youths are responsible for a large portion of them, so we’re encouraging the public to contact police straightaway if they see any kids acting suspiciously.”
He said there would be police actively patrolling parks and reserves within the area.
CFASouthern Metropolitan operations manager Trevor Owen said parents should keep an eye out on their children, and that with the coming dry season, residents needed to ensure they were prepared.
“Some (fires) are related to things like school holidays, where there are more children around getting up to mischief, so adults need to make sure their children aren’t up to that behaviour,” he said.
“We’re about to enter the fire danger period on 23 January, which means there are restrictions on burning off and lighting fires.
“The grassland that might seem a bit green and moist can dry out very quickly, so people need to get planned for the onset of the period and be prepared.”
There were also two incidents of car fires, the first of which occurred about 4.45am last Sunday at a property in Warana Drive, Hampton Park.
The victim’s neighbour awoke to the sound of a car alarm and upon investigating, discovered a green waste rubbish bin and part of a Toyota Avalon on fire.
The neighbour and the victim put the fire out.
Police said an accelerant was used.
The second incident occurred on Monday about 2.20am, where a stolen Mazda Protege sedan was set alight on Olive Road in Hampton Park.
An accelerant was used, and there was extensive damage to the car.
Anyone with information regarding any of these incidents, is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
