Police Hunt Firebug as Hunter Valley Braces for Extreme Fire Conditions This Week

Scorching temperatures, fierce winds and a possible serial arsonist — authorities fear the worst

Police have launched an urgent manhunt after a string of suspicious grass fires erupted across the Hunter Valley on Sunday — just days before a dangerous heatwave is set to drive fire conditions into the “Extreme” category.

The timing has authorities deeply concerned.

🚨 Four Fires in One Afternoon — Police Fear a Serial Arsonist

Emergency services were first called around 12:20pm to a blaze at Frame Drive and Gingers Lane in Sawyers Gully.

Only 10 minutes later, two more fires ignited along John Renshaw Drive, Buchanan.

By 3:40pm, another fire lit up on John Renshaw Drive at Black Hill, followed minutes later by a fourth blaze on Averys Lane, Buchanan.

NSW RFS crews managed to stop all fires before they spread.
👉 No injuries. No property loss. But the pattern is clear — and suspicious.

Police from Hunter Valley Police District have now established crime scenes at all four locations and are investigating links between the incidents.

🚙 Wanted: White Mazda SUV Seen Before Final Fire

A white Mazda SUV, last spotted in Kurri Kurri around 3:30pm, is now central to the investigation.

Detectives are urging anyone with:

• CCTV
• Dashcam footage
• Doorbell cameras
• Business security footage

from Sawyers Gully, Buchanan, Black Hill or Kurri Kurri between 12pm and 4pm on Sunday to contact Crime Stoppers immediately.

🌡️ EXTREME FIRE WEATHER: Heatwave to Hit Hunter Valley This Week

As police hunt a suspected firebug, the Hunter Valley is about to face one of its hottest weeks of the season — creating the perfect conditions for a bushfire disaster.

🔥 This Week’s Weather Forecast — Hunter Valley

Tuesday

☀️ Mostly sunny, approx 25°C
🔥 Extreme fire danger already declared.

Wednesday

☀️ Sunny, heating up to 30°C
💨 Dry, UV high — fuels drying rapidly.

Thursday

🔥 Hot and dry — up to 35°C
🌬️ Light winds increasing fire risk.

Friday

🔥 Peak heat: up to 38°C
💨 Hot winds + low humidity = rapid fire spread conditions.

Saturday

🔥 Another scorcher — 40°C possible
❗The most dangerous day of the week.

Sunday

☀️ Cooler at around 30°C
🔥 Fire danger may remain elevated due to accumulated dryness.

⚠️ Authorities Warn: “One Spark Could Be Catastrophic”

With temperatures soaring, humidity plummeting and winds strengthening, the NSW RFS warns the region is entering a high-risk fire window.

Any ignition — accidental or deliberate — could explode into a fast-moving bushfire.

Residents are urged to:

• Cancel any backyard burns
• Avoid machinery that creates sparks
• Keep grass cut
• Report suspicious behaviour immediately

📞 Have Info? Police Need Your Help NOW

Anyone with information or footage that may help identify the firebug, especially involving a white Mazda SUV, should contact:

📞 Hunter Valley Police District
📞 Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 (anonymous)