30/04/2026
Detectives attached to the Rural Crime Prevention Team are appealing for information following a series of recent grass fires in the Hunter Valley.
Between Monday 2 March 2026 and Friday 24 April 2026, a total of 24 grass fires have been reported in areas surrounding Singleton.
The fires have occurred along the Golden Highway at Warkworth, and Mitchell Line of Road, Jerrys Plains Road, and Putty Road at Mount Thorley.
Of the 24 fires, 17 have been classified as suspicious or the cause undetermined; and occurred on weekdays between 12pm and 5pm.
Due to the extremely dry conditions, police and firefighters warn there is a significant risk of a major fire that could impact local homes, businesses and the broader community.
Hunter Valley Police District Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Andrew Wheatley, said the pattern of fires is concerning.
“The frequency, timing and locations of these fires raise serious concerns, particularly given how dry the conditions are across the Hunter Valley,” Det Insp Wheatley said.
“A fire under these conditions has the potential to spread rapidly and place lives, property and emergency services personnel at risk.”
Detective Inspector Wheatley said investigators are urging anyone who was travelling through the affected areas to assist.
“We are specifically asking motorists who were in these locations between midday and 5pm on weekdays to review any dashcam footage they may have,” he said.
“Even something that might seem insignificant – such as a vehicle pulled over or a person behaving unusually – could be critical to our investigation.”
Hunter Valley Police are working closely with the NSW Rural Fire Service and are appealing to residents and road users to report any suspicious behaviour.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Branxton Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Information can be provided anonymously.
