POLICE have ramped up appeals to find those responsible for a series of deliberately lit fires, with detectives investigating possible links between about a dozen incidents.
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There are concerns an arsonist, or arsonists, have deliberately been sparking fires in the region as early as March last year, and as recently as Saturday.
Two fires were lit on the stock route off Wright Road on Saturday, and two trees set alight on Bonegilla Road the same day.
Grass on the side of the Murray Valley Highway, a short distance from the Tallangatta township, was burnt on Friday afternoon and came close to property.
A string of fires were lit in a similar area in March and April, including on Old Barnawartha Road and Plunketts Road on April 11, and Castle Creek Road on March 18.
The CFA and arson and explosive squad investigators are looking at the incidents with local officers.
A white Holden Commodore was seen at the Tallangatta and Bonegilla Road fires, and police want to speak to the occupants.
Detective Senior Sergeant Garry Barton said the incidents were concerning to police.
“We think we have an arsonist in the area,” he said.
“It’s extremely dangerous.
“This is the time of year everyone’s vigilant around fires.
“It’s a very serious crime, we’re working hand in glove with the CFA, also the arson and explosive squad and NSW Police, to work on this arsonist, or this group of arsonists.”
All incidents have been contained by firefighters before they could destroy any property, but Detective Senior Sergeant Barton said the potential for damage was “catastrophic".
"We want to do everything we can to stop it,” he said.
“This is a matter we're taking very, very seriously.”
Anyone with information can contact police on (02) 6049 2600 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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