Melbourne arsonists strike again

Arsonists have struck again in Melbourne’s outer east, heightening fears that they could cause further damage over the hot, dry new year period.

Arsonists set fire to a tree in Belgrave, in the forested suburban area of the Dandenong Ranges, about 6.40am (AEDT) on Wednesday.

Detective Senior Sergeant Jeff Maher said the fire had been lit about 200 metres from Upwey High School, fitting with a pattern of more than 20 fires that have been lit near the high school and primary school in Upwey.

He said a group of about six youths were seen in silhouette at one of the fires, which have all been lit late at night or early in the morning since July.

“But we’re trying to keep an open mind at this point. We really haven’t got a suspect,” Det Snr Sgt Maher told Fairfax Radio.

“I think someone out in the community would know who this person is.”

The area where the fires are being lit is the heavily populated southern end of the Dandenong Ranges.

Det Snr Sgt Maher said there are substantial fuel loads in the area and hot, dry weather is predicted over the New Year, so January and February could be dangerous if the arsonists strike again.

He urged anyone knowing anything about the fires to call Crimestoppers.

“It is a public safety issue and it is becoming very important that we catch this person or people.

“We’ve got to knuckle down now and we’ve got to really try to catch this offender.”

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