KNOX: Man charged after Wantirna South fires


Police have charged a man following reports of two fires in Wantirna South bushland on Monday night (Apr. 14).

Emergency services responded to two grass fires in the vicinity of Pumps Lane and Axford Rd about 9pm.

Swift responding officers arrived on scene and allegedly caught sight of a man trying to put one of the fires out with his shirt.

An attempt was made to arrest the man, who allegedly refused to follow police direction, resulting in two officers sustaining minor injuries.

The man was arrested.

Investigators allege that one of the fires was more than 100 square metres in size.

A 32-year-old man of no fixed abode was charged with light bushfire during a fire danger period.

He was remanded to appear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Apr. 15).