Arson accusations - four North-East fires “suspicious”

February 7, 2024

By Rachel Williams

Four fires that have burned through bushland across the region this week are being treated as suspicious.

Investigations continue into the blazes at Jetsonville, Golconda, Myrtle Bank and Mathinna, with all fires now contained or put out completely.

Suspended Dorset Mayor Greg Howard believes last Thursday’s 9ha blaze at Badger Hill, Jestonville, was deliberately lit to cover the tracks of thieves who allegedly stole irrigation equipment from his farm.

Mr Howard claims that up to $20,000 of equipment has gone missing from his land near Cox’s Creek, including an Iveco motor and Southern Cross irrigation pump, intake pipes, foot valve, delivery pipes and a water metre.

He said the disappearance of the items follows the loss of a 1000l diesel tank from his property last year.

“The fire was near where the pump was so I suspect whoever stole the pump might have lit the fire to cover their tracks knowing there would be dozers and other vehicles coming in to fight the fire,” Mr Howard said.

Mr Howard, who has reported the incident to Police, said the stolen infrastructure was used to pump water from the creek to his dam for the irrigation of potatoes, onions and fodder crops on his farm.

Sustainable Timber Tasmania crews contained the fire late on Thursday, February 1, and it was declared out on Monday morning.

The blaze, on Permanent Timber Production Zone land, was burning out of control for most of the day with Sustainable Timber Tasmania and Tasmanian Fire Service crews utilising two aircraft as water bombers in windy conditions with high flames up to 10m.

It is understood a stolen car had been lit on fire at Myrtle Bank and may have been the cause of that blaze, which started on Sunday and is contained and under control.

Another blaze at Ferny Hill Rd, Golconda, was first reported on Friday, February 2 at 5am, has burnt through 19ha of dry Eucalypt forest and is still being patrolled.

A fourth fire at Golden Gate Rd, Mathinna has been contained.

“All four fires are being treated as suspicious and are under investigation,” an STT spokesman said.