By Tanya Steele
Emerald Primary School has escaped serious damage after a fire was allegedly lit on-site by a group of unknown youths over the weekend.
On Saturday 14 September CFA responded to reports of a fire threatening a structure at around 2:06 pm on Heroes Avenue in Emerald.
A CFA media representative said five CFA units from Emerald, Clematis and Menzies Creek attended the scene alongside Victoria Police.
“Crews arrived to find a fire burning under a classroom,” they said.
“The incident was deemed under control at 2:24 pm and safe at 2:35 pm and the scene was then handed to Victoria Police due to suspicious circumstances.”
Cardinia Crime Investigation Unit detectives are now investigating the weekend fire.
A Victoria Police media representative said it is understood five unknown youths set fire to a shed and a shipping container at the school.
“No one was inside at the time,” they said.
“The investigation remains ongoing.”
Emerald CFA thanked other units supporting them at the call out on social media.
“As firefighters we sometimes need to make our way into some extremely tight spaces to investigate and put out the fire.” the post read.
“It’s not an easy task at all, especially carrying 25 kilos on our backs, with our personal protective structure gear and breathing apparatus to make sure that we don’t inhale any of the toxic smoke that come with fires.”
“Thanks to Clematis Volunteer Fire Brigade and Menzies Creek Rural Fire Brigade for supporting us on this call.”
Police are asking if anyone who witnessed the incident, has CCTV, dashcam footage or any other information that could assist to please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
