By Jeremy Sollars
The Queensland Police say they do not suspect an arsonist is active in the Dalveen area despite fears held by the local Rural Fire Brigade.
Volunteer firefighters have attended numerous fires around Dalveen in recent months, a significant number of which they are adamant have been deliberately lit, largely due to them occurring in quick succession.
But a Queensland Police Media spokeswoman told the Free Times this week that from their perspective none of the fires have been “suspicious”.
“We do not believe there is an arson suspect involved,” the Police spokeswoman said.
“Obviously it is extremely dry at the moment – even throwing a cigarette butt out of a car window is likely to start a fire, along with things like lightning strikes.
“The firies have a process they have to finalise after each incident – they have to tick a box for what they believe caused a fire and sometimes the only box they can tick is ‘unknown’.”
In the local Dalveen community newsletter ‘Windy Ridge Wanderings’ August edition the Rural Fire Brigade lists the following callouts for the month, listing five of them as ‘arson’ –
• 9 August – Drumsleed – turned out to be permitted burn
• 13 August – Cnr Rabbit Fence Road Granite Belt Drive – arson
• 13 August – Old Warwick Road, The Summit – turned out to be permitted burn
• 16 August – Old Antique Store, Granite Belt Drive
• 17th August – Old Antique Store, Granite Belt Drive
• 29th August – Rabbit Fence Road (two fires same property – escaped unpermitted burns)
• 30 August – Granite Belt Drive near Butlers Lane – arson
• 30 August – Cottonvale School Road – arson – damage to orchard net and pipes
• 30 August – Newlands Road, Cottonvale – arson
• 30 August – Teale Road, The Summit – arson
Dalveen residents are urged to note any suspicious behaviour and vehicles in the area and to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 to report it, or Triple Zero (000) if a fire is in progress.
