FIREBUGS are being blamed for a blaze in Swan Hill on Tuesday night, with witness accounts of youths fleeing from the scene.
Swan Hill CFA captain Dennis Turner said volunteers were called to a grass fire at Ken Harrison Reserve about 7.15pm, with volunteers making quick work of the fire.
“It has been put down as suspicious and it is under police investigation,” Cpt Turner said.
“The brigade was called back to the same area around 4.15am, which is also under investigation.
“Some kids were seen running from the scene, we have a few witness accounts.”
Cpt Turner said neighbours smelt smoke in the morning, resulting in a second call, with the blaze still smoldering in the early hours.
“I just want to say good on the community for being vigilant, weather conditions were pretty good, but this did have the potential to spread,” he said.
Cpt Turner said it was disappointing to see anyone deliberately lighting a fire in the current conditions.
“It is a stupid act, you can do some serious damage to properties and you need to think twice before doing that,” he said.
Cpt Turner said with the Fire Danger Period declared earlier this month and restrictions now in place, anyone caught lighting a fire could face hefty penalties, with a zero tolerance policy in place for the season.
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