Three fires were intentionally lit between Arboretum Park and Whiteman Avenue in Young last week. Photo: Shri Gayathirie Rajen.
Police are calling for information to help find a possible firebug after several fires were intentionally lit near homes around the Hilltops town of Young last week.
NSW Police said firefighters were called to three grass and tree fires – one at Arboretum Park on Main Street and two about 400 metres away on Whiteman Avenue – in Young between 4 and 8 pm on Friday (27 February).
NSW Fire and Rescue were able to extinguish all three.
“Damage was contained to grass, trees and shrubbery and no structures were threatened or damaged,” a police spokesperson said.
“There were no reports of injury.”
Police and a fire investigator began examining the scenes.
“Initial inquiries have confirmed the fires were deliberately lit,” a police spokesperson said.
Police have seized a number of items for forensic examination and have spoken with several witnesses who reported suspicious activity in the area.
“Local police are working with Strike Force Tronto, a specialist team dedicated to identifying, targeting, and prosecuting offenders responsible for deliberately-lit bushfires across the state, to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incidents,” they said.
Inspector Ben Granger, Officer in Charge at Young, said police were determined to identify those responsible.
“These fires were deliberately lit in areas close to homes, roads and public spaces,” he said.
“While we are fortunate no one was injured and no property was lost, the potential for these fires to escalate was very real.
“We are urging anyone who saw suspicious behaviour, vehicles or individuals in the Whiteman Avenue or Arboretum Park areas on Friday afternoon or evening to come forward.”
Police urge anyone with information, including dashcam footage or home CCTV from the surrounding streets, to contact Young Police Station or call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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