While none of the incidents – the latest of which occurred this week – have burnt property or killed anyone, Detective Senior Sergeant Garry Barton said one could eventually burn out of control.

He said a group of 20 fires, starting last summer, may be linked to the arsonist.

“More recently we’ve had a series of eight or nine fires around Wodonga,” he said.

“They’re the same what we call modus operandi – side of the road, available material.

“They will get away, one of these fires will get away and one of these fires will cause damage.

“We really, really want to try our hardest to catch this person.”

Detective Senior Sergeant Barton said police could help the person responsible if they handed themselves in.

Police are looking at a fire lit on the side Huon Creek Road this week, separate to the fires caused by lightning.

A fire next to the Kiewa Valley Highway last weekend is also likely linked.

Detectives fear more fires will be lit, which is of growing concern given recent high temperatures.

“That’s why we’re throwing as many resources we can to it,” he said.

“We want to stop it before it gets significant.

“Someone will know something about these fires.

“It might be a family member, it might be a neighbour, it might be a colleague.

“We really want you to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or the officer in charge of the Wodonga Crime Investigation Unit.