VIC: Police hunt for fire-bug

AAP General News (Australia)
12-09-2008
VIC: Police hunt for fire-bug

MELBOURNE, Dec 9 AAP - Police are searching for a man suspected of a lighting a fire
in outer Melbourne.

A man was seen standing next to a small fire in a bush and fuelling it with small pieces
of cardboard in the Dandenong Ranges National Park in Montrose last Friday.

Another man walking along a track saw the suspected fire-bug and challenged him before
the suspect ran off carrying a black plastic bag.

The witness stamped out the fire and called police.

The man police wish to speak with is described as about 60 years old, medium to solid
build with short, dark hair.

He was wearing a khaki, army-style jumper and denim pants at the time of the incident.

The incident comes at the start of summer and the bushfire season and occurred less
than a week after Victoria Police launched Operation Hussar, to deter firebugs this summer.

The operation involves police working with the Country Fire Authority and Department
of Sustainability and Environment.

AAP gr/srp

KEYWORD: FIREBUG

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