A crime scene has been set up where two suspicious bushfires were sparked just hours apart at the back of Tarrawanna.
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As emergency services arrived at the latest fire near Hawthorn Street around 6:40am Tuesday, three teen males were seen leaving the seen on foot, police said.
Wollongong Police District Acting Inspector Dave Parker said the trio were heading towards the Towradgi Creek residential area.
Around 1.5 acres of scrub was burned before Rural Fire Services volunteers could bring the blaze under control.
Around 4:30pm Monday a blaze in a similar area burnt around half an acre of scrub. Both fires sent white smoke into the sky which could be seen in neighbouring suburbs.
Acting Inspector Parker said officers have since increased patrols in the area.
Because of the terrain, RFS Operational Officer Col Church said volunteers were mainly on foot using hose lines and hand tools and to extinguish the fires.
“It’s very dry out there and we haven’t had a great deal of rain, so it wouldn’t take much for a fire to occur,” Mr Church said.
“If anyone sees any fire activity or suspicious activities around to make sure they ring triple zero.”
Any witnesses should contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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