While there is not yet evidence to suggest the fires were deliberately lit, Mid Murray Rural Fire Service district assistant John Temlett said there was enough of a pattern to warrant further investigation.
Mr Temlett said two small fires next to the Riverina Highway between Deniliquin and Finley were reported, one after the other, on Friday evening.
It was later revealed another had been reported a little earlier near the Riverina Highway closer to Finley, in the Southern Border RFS zone.
A similar fire was reported on the Wakool Rd about an hour later, but Mr Temlett said it is unclear whether this is related to the Riverina Highway blazes.
“The first fire in our patch (Mid Murray) was reported near the Blighty Hall Rd, and by the time it was out another had been reported near the canal.
“The Blighty and Birganbigil brigades responded to those fires, respectively.
“We’re not sure how they were started, but we are certainly very suspicious.”
Mr Temlett said neither fire burned a large area, but he said that’s only because of the mild conditions.
He said had it been a windy evening, the fires could have caused significant damage.
The Wakool Rd fire was also extinguished quickly, by the Denimein and Brassi brigades.
Section 100 Rural Fires Act 1997 (NSW) indicates the maximum penalty for lighting a fire or causes a fire to be set on someone else’s land or property, crown property or any public authority property is of 5 years imprisonment and/or $110,000 fine.
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