NB: Bahl is pronounced to rhyme with "karl"
Police are appealing for help from the public as an investigation into a suspicious fire at Wallsend this morning gets underway.
Shortly before 6am today (Thursday 29 October 2026), emergency services were called to Fogo Street where they found a motorhome – which was parked on the street – well alight.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District have been told a member of the public helped rescue a 69-year-old man from the burning vehicle.
NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the man for burns before he was taken to hospital where he's reported to be in a critical condition.
Fire and Rescue NSW extinguished the blaze; however, the motorhome was destroyed.
Strike Force Bahl has been established to investigate the fire.
Scene of crime officers from Newcastle City PD are being assisted by specialist fire investigators to determine the cause of the blaze.
Acting Newcastle City PD commander, Detective Acting Superintendent Steve Benson, said while the inquiry is still in its early stages, the circumstances lead investigators to believe it is suspicious.
"Evidence gathered so far from the scene leads detectives to believe the caravan was targeted by a person or person unknown," Det A/Supt Benson said.
"We are appealing for any witnesses to the incident, or anyone with information, and/or CCTV or dashcam footage, to get in touch with police.
"I also want to recognise the efforts of that member of the public who assisted the injured man from the burning van, despite the risk to their own personal safety.
"It's the context that we are operating within that leads us to believe this was a targeted arson incident, and there is no direct or ongoing threat to the community.
"A strike force has been established to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fire," Det A/Supt Benson said.
As investigations continue, anyone with information, including dashcam, mobile or CCTV footage – is urged to contact Newcastle Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
