As a result of investigations into two fires at a property on Parkesborough Road, Parkes, earlier this year, Central West Police District detectives have reopened a 17-year-old investigation into a series of fires in Forbes in 2001.
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Strike force Torpoint was initially created to investigate fires at both Forbes Ambulance Station and a private residence in Flint Street.
Central West Police District Crime Manager Detective Inspector Bruce Grassick said police believe the fires are connected.
“Investigators are working tirelessly in relation to solving this particular matter and we believe there are distinct links between the fires in 2001 in Forbes and the fires in 2018 in Parkesborough Road in Parkes,” Inspector Grassick said.
“Police can say at this time there is a person of significant interest and we are continuing inquiries in relation to these matters.”
Inspector Grassick said the first fire at the Forbes Ambulance Station occurred around 10pm on October 25, 2001.
“This fire caused substantial damage to the Ambulance Station and was found to be deliberately lit,” he said.
“Because the damage was so extensive, a temporary station was set up at the Forbes Hospital.”
The second fire occurred on October 31, 2001, at around 11.20pm.
“An ambulance parked at the temporary station was set a light after a molotov cocktail was thrown through its window,” Inspector Grassick said.
“While the fire brigade was attending to this fire another one was detected at the already damaged station. This fire was also found to be deliberately lit.”
The second ambulance station fire was very intense and the damage was such that the building was condemned and a new station built at the Forbes Hospital.
The damaged station was eventually sold and remains in a state of disrepair.
Inspector Grassick said four days later on November 4, 2001, there was a fire at the home of an ambulance officer in Flint Street Forbes.
“This house was in close proximity to the ambulance fire at the Forbes Hospital,” he said.
“Extensive enquiries were conducted at the time with a strong focus on persons with a vendetta against the NSW Ambulance Service or with a reason for the Ambulance Station
in Lachlan Street to be non functional.
“Despite investigations and a coronial inquest in September 2014 there was insufficient evidence to place anybody before the court.”
Fast forward to April 27 of this year.
Emergency services responded to reports of a house fire in Parkesborough Road, Parkes, which caused major damage to the home.
Detective Inspector Grassick said the owner of the home was the same ambulance officer whose house was set alight some 17 years earlier.
“Twenty six days later, on May 23, 2018, a second fire occurred at the Parkesborough Road address, this time totally destroying the home,” he said.
“Investigators have established a common link to all these fires and strike force Torpoint has been re-established with that particular person of interest identified.”
Police are urging anyone with information on the fires in 2001 in Forbes and the fires most recently in Parkesborough Road in Parkes to contact Parkes Police station on 6862 9999 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Read also: Two Parkes homes destroyed by fire
