Hedge fire believed suspicious

Police and members of the Balclutha Volunteer Fire Brigade attended a blaze which engulfed a hedge shortly before midnight on Saturday.

Detective Constable Robin Hutton, of Balclutha, said the cause of the fire was unknown, and he did not rule out the possibility it was deliberately lit.

The fire caused moderate damage to the hedge and minor damage to a power pole.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Terry Michie, of Balclutha, said it took the brigade about 30 minutes to put out the fire.

Firefighters were called out to the site again on Sunday afternoon after the hedge reignited, and took about 15 minutes to dampen hot spots, Mr Michie said.

Det Const Hutton said the fire seemed to have started in the hedge outside the Clyde St property and he asked anyone who had seen any suspicious activity to contact the Balclutha police on (03) 418-0203 or anonymously through Crimestoppers0800 555-111.

helena.dereus@odt.co.nz