Police are appealing for information from the public as they investigate a deliberately-lit fire in Jindabyne this morning.
A passing motorist saw a fire in bushland on Cobbin Crescent, on the eastern side of Kosiuszko Road, at 6.30am today (Friday 3 January 2020), and alerted emergency services as he attempted to put the fire out.
Fire and Rescue NSW attended and were able to extinguish the fire before it spread further.
Initial investigations determined the fire was deliberately lit and officers from Monaro Police District established a crime scene.
Detectives have conducted initial investigations, with specialist officers forensically examining the scene.
A full investigation will be conducted into the fire and detectives are appealing for anyone with information to contact Crime stoppers on 1800 333 000.
There is currently a State of Emergency declared in NSW due to the bushfire crisis in the south-east of the state.
The fire risk in the Monaro Alpine region is rated as very high, with a total fire ban in force. The RFS having serious concerns for the areas covering from Adaminaby to Cooma, then south-west to Jindabyne, Perisher Valley and Thredbo. This includes all of the Kosciuszko National Park.
The NSW RFS has published a Fire Spread Prediction Map for tomorrow (Saturday 4 January 2020), and all local residents are urged to ensure they are aware of the areas at risk, and latest advice.
Please monitor www.rfs.nsw.gov.au website for updates and get the Fires Near Me app on your phone to monitor local fires.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
