Two fires that started within minutes of each other in Spencer Park are being treated as arson attacks

Albany police are investigating two suspicious fires that started within minutes and 1km of each other in Spencer Park on Tuesday night. Firefighters were called to a fire at a property on Mokare Road in Spencer Park about 10.32pm. On their way to the property they saw a car on fire on Campbell Road, near the intersection of Hillman Street. One of the blazes caused significant damage to a Ford Falcon and the other burnt the side wall of a home. Firefighters found a wheelie bin on fire and flames had spread to the side wall of the Mokare Road property, which was vacant at the time. They had it extinguished by 11.16pm. The vehicle fire, which is believed to have started in the engine bay of the Falcon, on Campbell Road, was extinguished by 11.20pm. Albany police officer-in-charge Sen. Sgt Hugh Letessier said the incidents were being treated as arson. On Wednesday morning, officers returned to the area to speak to nearby residents as part of their investigation. “What is highly suspicious is two fires on the same night, at roughly the same time and within 1km of each other,” Sen. Sgt Letessier said. “We are investigating what we consider as two deliberately lit fires. “We are calling for anyone with information to come forward, especially those who may have seen suspicious behaviour, cars or people walking the streets in the Spencer Park area between 10.30pm and 11pm.” Sen. Sgt Letessier confirmed there was “extensive damage” to the vehicle but said there was only minor damage to the side wall of the house in Mokare Road. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at crimestopperswa.com.au or by phoning 1800 333 000.