Authorities suspect arson as 'suspicious' Kadnook blaze destroys home

[vk3ymml]

Source: https://www.skynews.com.au/australia-ne ... b264fe98d8

Victoria's west gripped by devastating bushfires, authorities suspect arson as 'suspicious' Kadnook blaze destroys home. Fire authorities are now treating a huge blaze which tore through Victoria's west on the weekend as "suspicious" after one home was destroyed.

Victoria Country Fire Authority assistant chief Mark Gunning said authorities had ruled out that the Kadnook fire began accidentally, however, Victoria Police said it was too soon to determine what caused the blaze.

"[Fire investigators] have been out there yesterday they'll be out there again today, and they're working with police to work through the cause but at this stage we've ruled out that we believe it to be accidental so that's a concern to us as well," he told the ABC.

"We are treating it as suspicious at this point in time."

Victoria Police said it is believed the fire broke out in a plantation near Casterton-Edenhope Road about 2.20pm.

Residents in Kadnook have been told it's not yet safe to return fire affected properties with emergency services still battling the blaze.

"The fire is now contained. It is not yet safe to return to fire-affected properties," the advice alert reads.

"Other properties that are in the warning area that have not been affected by road closures or fire may resume normal activities.

"Fire crews and heavy equipment continue to work on making the area safe. Work is focused on treating dangerous trees.

"Trees can be extremely dangerous when impacted by bushfires or high winds. Avoid standing, parking or travelling in areas of fire-affected trees." Edenhope deputy group officer, Stuart Grigg, said crews were in for a tough fire season.

"The worst part we've got is this has all happened at the start of the fire season, and we're probably going to have to deal with this for quite a long time yet, which is really going to be tough on resources," he said.

Victoria’s country fire authority declared a total fire ban for the affected area on Sunday, predicting the blaze would continue to worsen.

“There have been many escaped burns today and a significant fire in Casteron-Edenhope Road, Kadnook that is not yet under control,” CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said on Saturday.

“We anticipate the fires to get much worse and will monitor conditions overnight. With strong winds expected to continue declaring a TFB for Sunday remains the best option to ensure we reduce the risk and give firefighters the best chance with these challenging conditions."