Man charged with lighting roadside fires

POLICE have arrested and charged man in relation to wildfires near Orange.

Between 3:45pm and 4pm yesterday (Saturday), several fires erupted in roadside areas along Forbes Rd, 5km west of The Escort Way.

At least two fires occurred within close proximity to homes and various infrastructure.

One of the blazes came within 10m of a property line before being extinguished by fire crews from Orange, police say.

No-one was injured and there was no property damage or losses as a result of the incidents.

A 43-year-old Forbes man was located in the vicinity of the fires, and taken to Orange Police Station for questioning.

He was later charged with intentionally

Investigating officers say they want to speak to anyone with knowledge about the cause of the fires, or any motorists or locals who witnessed any suspicious activity near Forbes Road between 3:30pm and 4pm.

In particular, police would like to hear from witnesses who may have seen a man, described as being of Caucasian appearance, medium build, brown/grey hair, and wearing dark pants and a dark blue winter coat, standing or walking on Forbes Rd, 5km west of The Escort Way.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Orange Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.