Detectives from the Mareeba Rural and Stock Crime Squad and Tablelands Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) have charged a 37-year-old man in relation to fires police will allege were deliberately lit in the greater Mareeba area on Tuesday, September 27.
From approximately 1.15pm into the evening of September 27, emergency services were called to approximately 13 fires burning in Mareeba, Biboohra and Chewko outer suburbs.
Due to the number of fires and the distance between them, fire investigators determined the cause to be suspicious.
The fires in some places burned in close proximity to properties, causing several to be evacuated and an emergency declaration to be made under the Public Safety Preservation Act (PSPA).
The PSPA declaration was revoked at approximately 6.43pm, and an investigation into the suspicious fires launched.
Investigations led police to issue a search warrant at a property on Narcotic Creek Road at Chewko today, where a 37-year-old local man was taken into custody.
He has been charged with 13 counts of setting fire to vegetation.
He is expected to appear before Mareeba Magistrates Court tomorrow (September 29).
Police would like to thank the local community for their assistance and co-operation, and urge anyone with information, CCTV or dashcam footage in relation to the incident to contact police.
Earlier media release: https://mypolice.page.link/WzpP
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
