East Gippsland Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating a series of four suspicious fires in Orbost over the past week.
The first fire occurred at a toilet block at a sporting facility on Nicholson Street between 12-4am on Tuesday.
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 this morning.
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.
East Gippsland Crime Investigation Unit Detective Senior Constable Brendan Keane said police were treating all four fires as linked.
“These are dangerous offences that are occurring – during two of these fires, the occupants were asleep inside so we’re thankful that no one has been injured,” he said.
“We have additional resources patrolling the area to try and deter those responsible from setting another fire.
“We are urging members of the public to keep an eye out for anyone acting suspiciously in the Orbost area – if you see anything that doesn’t look right then please call Triple Zero (000).”
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
