Vic: Mansfield fire was arson, Brumby

AAP General News (Australia)
02-12-2009
Vic: Mansfield fire was arson, Brumby

HEALESVILLE, Feb 12 AAP - Victorian Premier John Brumby has added a fire at Mansfield
to the list of blazes blamed on arsonists.

Mr Brumby said there was every indication that the Mansfield fire, which started on
Wednesday, was deliberately lit.

"There would seem to be no doubt at all that that fire's been deliberately lit. It's
devastating," he said at the Healesville Memorial Hall east of Melbourne, which has become
the town's emergency relief centre.

"Again what do you say about this except that we have a huge police team which is out
there trying to track down any of these people responsible."

Police apprehended two men near Yea on Thursday over possible arson offences. The men
are assisting police with inquiries.

"I'm pleased that police are making progress," the premier said.

"There are some other issues across the state that they're also investigating."

Water bombing aircraft were used to quell the 15-hectare Mansfield fire, which broke
out in a pine plantation southeast of the town.

Police have already confirmed the giant Churchill fire, which has burnt out 40,000
hectares in Gippsland, was deliberately lit.

The fire that virtually wiped out Marysville may also have been the work of arsonists.

AAP ees/gfr/tnf/mn

KEYWORD: BUSHFIRES VIC ARSON THIRD UPDATE

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