NSW: Police investigate suspicious fires at Sydney wharf

AAP General News (Australia)
12-12-2001
NSW: Police investigate suspicious fires at Sydney wharf

SYDNEY, Dec 12 AAP - Police are investigating two suspicious fires at the same wharf
in one of Sydney's most salubrious northern beaches suburbs.

Fire crews were called to the Palm Beach wharf in Barrenjoey Road about 1am (AEDT)
to extinguish a small fire, NSW Fire Brigade Superintendent Ian Krimmer said.

Less than two hours after that fire was put out, two more crews returned to the wharf
where a larger, deliberately lit fire was reported, Supt Krimmer said.

"Just after 1am (AEDT) fire crews extinguished a small fire on the public wharf and
then in what would have to be considered as highly suspicious circumstances, were called
back to the wharf less than two hours later at 3.15am to a second and larger blaze which
appears deliberately lit," Supt Krimmer said.

Earlier information the wharf was totally destroyed was incorrect, with the blaze actually
confined to a timber waiting shed, Supt Krimmer said in a statement.

"There were very real fears that the fire might spread to a diesel fuel bowser and
tank," he said.

"The wharf timbers were heavily treated with creosote to protect them from constant
water exposure and this made the timbers burn very fiercely."

The cost of the damage has not yet been determined, Supt Krimmer said.

Police are continuing investigations into both fires and council workers will determine
if the wharf is safe for public use.

The fires were likely to disrupt private services to Ettalong and Wagstaff run by Palm
Beach Ferry Services, as well as private charters.

Pittwater Council owns and maintains the wharf.

AAP hn/jjs/ph

KEYWORD: WHARF LEAD

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