News
A suspicious fire overnight at Invercargill’s Queens Park has left four contractor trucks destroyed and raised concerns over the potential impact on ongoing storm recovery work.
The fire broke out around 12.20am in the yard of the Queens Park office, where the vehicles belonging to an arborist contractor were parked. Authorities believe the fire was deliberately lit.
“This incident is incredibly disappointing, especially given the tireless work of our staff and contractors in recent weeks to ensure the trees in our parks and reserves were made safe for the community following October’s storm,” said a council spokesperson.
While the full impact on the park’s recovery programme is not yet clear, the council confirmed that all previously reopened areas of Queens Park remain accessible. However, they are urging the public to follow directions from Police and avoid any cordoned-off areas.
Detective Sergeant John Kean, from the Invercargill Criminal Investigations Team, confirmed that no injuries were reported as a result of the fire.
“Police are investigating a fire early this morning in Queens Park, Windsor, around 12.20am,” he said. “It appears four vehicles were deliberately set alight. Thankfully, no one was injured.”
Police are now asking anyone who may have seen unusual activity in the area late last night or early this morning to come forward.
Information can be reported through the non-emergency 105 number, referencing case number 251203/6122. People can also choose to remain anonymous by contacting Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.