AN INFERNO that tore through Armidale has been dubbed one of the biggest grass fires in the district on Saturday.
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It took six firefighter crews more than three hours to extinguish the blaze in minus 10 temperatures, cold enough to freeze the hoses.
The fire was just one in a nine incident barrage that thrashed Armidale, Uralla Fire and Rescue and Rural Fire Service over the weekend.
Armidale Fire and Rescue deputy captain Eddie Cox said the grass fire travelled from Roseneath Lane all the way through to Acacia Park.
“We were also called to two floodings as a result of the severe frosts, because of the severe temperature the pipes burst in the ceiling space and all the water goes down through the house and makes a mess,” he said.
“It was actually one of our busiest weekends, we had call outs all over the weekend from Friday night through to Sunday.”
Firefighters were also called to a car fire on Donnelly Street, near the University of New England, at the same time as a house fire in Uralla in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Deputy captain Cox said residents should be especially wary in the winter, with dry temperatures making for dangerous fire conditions.
“That was a stolen car that was torched on Friday night, it can create a lot of damage and the fire can get away from you,” he said.
“I don’t think there’s any thought to it whatsoever.”
New England Police District Inspector Matt Hemsworth said police are treating the two grass fires and the car fire as suspicious.
“On Sunday at 12:30pm police were patrolling Galloway Street when they observed smoke coming from the industrial area, they located a bush fire that was well alight, covering 500 square metres of crown land,” he said.
“The cause of the fire is unknown but police are treating the fire as suspicious, we’re appealing to anyone that may have seen something to contact Armidale Police Station or Crimestoppers.”
A smaller grass fire was reported on Long Swamp Road on Friday afternoon, later that night a vehicle was stolen from Norris Drive and reported alight at 1:45am on Sunday.
Police do not believe the incidents are linked.
Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
