East Gippsland Crime Investigation Unit detectives arrested an 18-year-old man as the investigation into a series of suspicious fires in Orbost last month continues.
The Orbost man was arrested on Friday and interviewed in relation to four fires lit across the Orbost area between 27-31 October.
He appeared in court for unrelated matters however was released pending further enquiries in relation to the fires.
Investigators are continuing to follow up avenues of enquiry to identify the serial arsonist.
The first fire occurred at a toilet block at a sporting facility on Nicholson Street between 12-4am on 27 October.
The next night the arsonist struck twice, firstly targeting a garage on Nicholson Street between 12-12.15am.
Two cars and the garage were destroyed in the blaze.
The offender then moved onto a house on Hammill Court, setting the home on fire sometime between 1-5am.
Luckily the sleeping male occupant was woken by his dog and escaped the house uninjured but was taken to hospital for observation.
During the latest incident, the offender set fire to the rear of a house on Koala Court shortly before 6am on 31 October.
The occupant woke up and realised the back porch of his house was on fire and called emergency services.
He was able to quickly extinguish the flames, preventing further damage.
Any witnesses or anyone with CCTV or dash cam is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
