Arson theory on Black Friday fire
BLACK Friday lived up to its name in Hervey Bay as firefighters were called to two suspected arson attacks in Pialba and Urangan.
Up to 15 wheelie bins behind businesses on Main St were set alight about 11.30pm, the intensity of the flames posing a threat to a number of nearby businesses and storage sheds.
A passer-by called firefighters after witnessing the blaze, which broke out behind the Bendigo Bank and Menus on Main.
"When it was called in we were told the buildings were involved, but it turned out to be just the bins alight," Hervey Bay acting station officer Dave Crisp said.
He said because the flames were quite high, firefighters were unsure whether they had spread to one of the storage sheds.
The crews forced their way inside the storage shed and use a thermal imaging camera to check if any embers had gotten inside. The contents of the shed were unaffected.
Earlier, the fire crews were called to a another incident at Urangan when an outdoor couch was found to be alight.
The fire, in the carport of a duplex on Hibiscus St, was reported by a neighbour about 7.50pm.
The blaze not only damaged the couch, but caused two windows to shatter, Mr Crisp said. The owner was not at home.
Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
