Dandy on fire

By Lia Bichel
LAST week, as Victorians mourned lives lost during Black Saturday, a series of suspicious fires burned throughout the City of Greater Dandenong.
Police are investigating four separate arson incidents that occurred between 3 and 9 February, including one on the first anniversary of Black Saturday.
Detective Senior Constable Stuart Freeman said there was no evidence to suggest the fires were lit by the same person, or that Black Saturday was a motivating factor.
“There is no reason to believe they (the fires) are linked at this stage- other than their geographical location, and we take that into consideration,” he said.
“We have to be mindful and monitor these incidents.”
The first incident occurred at about 11.40pm on 3 February.
Police said it appeared a small grass fire was deliberately lit by a walkway adjacent to Parkview Close near David Street.
The second fire occurred on 7 February at 12.10pm outside a basketball stadium on Stud Road, Dandenong.
Police said the fire burned between the roadway and the car park and was extinguished by stadium staff.
The following night, at about 10.40pm, woodchips at the Noble Park Community Centre on Memorial Drive were set alight.
The last reported fire occurred at 2.26am on 9 February on Browns Road, Noble Park North.
Police said a 1990 Hino truck parked outside a residence was damaged by two petrol bombs.
One was thrown into the cab of the truck and the other was thrown underneath, causing damage to a neighbouring fence and about $5000 damage to the truck.
The CFA was called to extinguish the fire.
Det Sen Const Freeman urged anyone who witnessed suspicious activity to contact the police or Crime Stoppers.
“If there is anyone who seems to be acting strangely in an area where there are fires – playing with matches or lighters – call 000,” he said.
If people have information about offences they have observed in the past, call Crime Stoppers on 1300 333 000.