Bushfire clean-up equipment set alight by arsonist
Bushfire clean-up equipment set alight by arsonist
1 April 2009
published by www.news.com.au
Australia — Marysville has been affected by another arsonist, this one setting fire to machinery being used in the bushfire clean-up.
Police are appealing for witnesses following the deliberately lit fire which destroyed the machinery near Woods Point on Saturday night.
The fire destroyed two CAT excavators and a Timberjack tree harvester that were parked in a clearing near Old Coach Rd about 15km north of Woods Point.
The damaged vehicles were found about 5am on Sunday morning by a truck driver picking up the last load of cleared trees in the area.
Sgt Graeme Matthews from Alexandra Crime Investigation Unit said the fire could have caused a lot more damage.
“Its frightening to think of what might have been. The fact that we could have had another bushfire to deal with is really disturbing.
“The cleanup of other bushfire affected areas will be delayed as a result. These machines do an enormous amount of work in a short period of time.”
The vehicles were scheduled to be used in Marysville on Sunday to assist in the clean up of the bushfire ravaged town.
The damage to the machinery is estimated at over $200,000 and has left the owners of the vehicles without work until the equipment can be replaced.
Police are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with any information about the fire to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or to visitwww.crimestoppers.com.au
