By Tania Martin
POLICE are hunting a suspected arsonist after a fire was lit in the Dandenong Ranges National Park.
A Montrose man was out walking along a track on Friday 5 December, when he witnessed another man standing by a small fire in the national park, according to police.
The witness told police the man had been allegedly fuelling the fire with small pieces of cardboard and that he had challenged the man.
Police said, according to the witness, the suspect fled the scene carrying a black plastic bag.
The suspected arsonist is described as a 60-year-old, medium to solid build, with dark short hair.
He was wearing a Khaki army style jumper at the time of the incident.
The fire came just days after police launched its latest operation to dob in an arsonist.
Operation Hussar was launched on Wednesday 3 December in Ferny Creek at the scene where the fire ripped through the town almost 12 years ago.
Jacqui Bell also returned to the scene where her daughter, Jennifer and husband Graham Lindroth, lost their lives to the blaze.
She told the Mail it was important for the community to be vigilant in reporting any suspicious behaviour.
“Every day we relive the horror of knowing what a horrendous death Jenny and Graham endured,” Ms Bell said.
Operation coordinator, Detective Sergeant Martin Fleming of Lilydale Police warned arsonists that a zero tolerance would be taken.
He said it was vital for the community to work with police and emergency services in reporting any suspicious behaviour.
Det Sgt Fleming said it was disappointing that there was a fire, just days after launching the operation.
But, he said, the campaign was already working with people taking action to report suspicious behaviour.
“They (the community) are helping with our investigation and proving the program works,” Det Sgt Fleming said.
