Extremely dry conditions and a spate of suspicious grass fires have prompted a public appeal from detectives, who warn that homes and businesses could be at significant risk. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward as they investigate a series of blazes that have occurred across the Hunter Valley region.
Police Report 24 Fires in Recent Weeks
New South Wales Police have confirmed that 24 fires were reported between March 2 and April 24. Of these, 17 have been classified as suspicious or have undetermined causes. The fires predominantly occurred on weekdays between midday and 5pm, according to police statements.
Locations of the Fires
The fires were reported along several key roads in the Hunter Valley, including the Golden Highway at Warkworth, as well as at Mount Thorley on Mitchell Line of Road, Jerrys Plains Road, and Putty Road. These areas have experienced extremely dry conditions, raising concerns about the potential for major fire events.
Authorities Warn of Significant Risk
Authorities have issued a warning that the current tinderbox conditions mean there is a high risk of a major fire that could threaten homes, businesses, and the broader community. The Hunter Valley Police District crime manager, Detective Inspector Andrew Wheatley, expressed serious concerns about the pattern of fires.
"The frequency, timing and locations of these fires raise serious concerns, particularly given how dry the conditions are across the Hunter Valley," Detective Inspector Wheatley said. "A fire under these conditions has the potential to spread rapidly and place lives, property and emergency services personnel at risk."
Appeal for Dashcam Footage
Police are specifically asking motorists who traveled through the affected areas between midday and 5pm on weekdays to review any dashcam footage they may have. Even seemingly insignificant details, such as a vehicle pulled over or a person behaving unusually, could be critical to the investigation.
"We are specifically asking motorists who were in these locations between midday and 5pm on weekdays to review any dashcam footage they may have," Detective Inspector Wheatley said. "Even something that might seem insignificant - such as a vehicle pulled over or a person behaving unusually - could be critical to our investigation."
How to Assist
Anyone with information regarding suspicious behaviour in these areas is urged to contact Branxton police station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Police are treating the matter with utmost urgency given the heightened fire risk.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are hopeful that public assistance will help identify those responsible for the fires. The community is reminded to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately.
