Forest arson

By Tania Martin
EMERALD police have praised the efforts of hills residents for their quick actions after a suspicious fire broke out in the Bunyip State Forest last Friday.
The fire, which was nine kilometres south-east of Gembrook, started shortly after 11.30am on Anzac Day.
Police believe the blaze, which burnt more than 800 hectares of bushland, was deliberately lit.
Acting Sergeant Stuart Halligan has praised local residents for their quick actions in activating their bush fire plans. Sgt Halligan said the fire got bigger and bigger as the night (Friday) went on.
He said at one stage nearby residential and rural properties were under threat but a change in weather averted disaster.
Sgt Halligan said local residents organised a public meeting and activated their fire tree communications network.
“They (the residents) did exceptionally well, getting more than 130 people to the meeting so we could brief them on the situation,” he said.
Sgt Halligan said that at one stage there was concern for neighbouring houses as wind gusts of up to 90 km/h headed for the fire.
“We had to put in six road blocks to restrict movement in the area,” he said.
But a change of weather and some welcome rain diverted the impending danger and helped to extinguish the fire.
The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) firefighters will continue patrolling the perimeter of the fire for the next few days.
Local surrounding roads have now been reopened, however the park management tracks will be closed to the public until further notice to assist fire crews in mopping up the operation.
DSE said that the support it received from CFA volunteers, Victoria Police and the local community was critical in the managing the incident.
Sgt Halligan said the Pakenham Criminal Investigations Unit is investigating the fire as suspicious and urges anyone with information to come forward.
People with information can call Pakenham CIU on 5945 2500.