FIREFIGHTERS are alarmed at a spate of deliberately-lit house fires – with one home targeted twice in the space of 24 hours.
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Fire and Rescue NSW crews responded to reports a vacant Coledale house was alight first at 6am Saturday and again shortly after 2am Sunday.
It is believed to be the fourth suspicious house fire in Tamworth since Christmas.
Fire crews from Tamworth 452 and West Tamworth 508 were first called to the Warral Road house, where they were met with one room alight.
Peel duty commander Peter Nugent told The Leader crews contained the blaze to one room and left shortly after.
But 20 hours later, the same crews responded to a call that the same house was alight shortly after 2am Sunday.
Two extra pumps and crew were tasked to assist with extinguishing the blaze in very hot conditions.
“It was well alight (by the time crews arrived),” Acting Superintendent Nugent said.
“There was also a car alight in the backyard.”
Crews were forced into defensive firefighting techniques as neighbouring properties came under threat.
It took an hour to contain and extinguish the blaze.
During the school holidays… there is usually a spike in fires, particularly for anything from house fires to garbage bins alight.
- Peel duty commander Peter Nugent
“(The house) is severely destroyed, about 75 per cent damaged,” Acting Superintendent Nugent said.
It is believed someone was living in the home, but it was unoccupied at the time of both fires.
Acting Superintendent Nugent said it was the third or fourth house fire in three weeks.
“It’s definitely concerning,” he said.
“During the school holidays… there is usually a spike in fires, particularly for anything from house fires to garbage bins alight.”
A crime scene was established, as police supervisor, Sergeant Jacob Cantwell, confirmed inquiries were ongoing. Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
