Arborist arsonists strike again

By Owen Sinclair

Jan 16, 2025

Flames engulfed a tree and part of a front yard at a property in Cobram’s east last night.

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Emergency services were called to the property on Wallowa St just before 8pm on Wednesday, January 15, following reports of a fire.

Eyewitnesses, including Neighbourhood Watch member Oscar Darmenia, reported several residents assembled with their garden hoses in hand to put out the blaze.

“I just turned around and saw smoke,” Mr Darmenia said.

“I came out, and kids were running everywhere.

“Everyone came out with their hoses. It was all a mad rush.”

Cobram police and CFA units arrived to find the front yard of a house and a tree on its nature strip scorched.

It’s not the first time such an incident has occurred in the area, according to Mr Darmenia, who said another tree further along the nature strip went up in flames about three years ago.

“We’ve been here 32 years, and seen a lot change,” he said.

Police are treating the incident as suspicious.

Nobody was reported injured during the brief blaze, and police investigations are continuing.