Young boy labelled a hero for spotting school fire

Ballan Fire Brigade Lieutenant Ian Ireland said the young boy lived in a nearby property with his family. He was playing in his cubby house when he saw smoke coming from the Ballan Primary School gymnasium.

The boy alerted his father who dialed triple-0 and quickly filled a bucket of water which he dumped on the fire burning at the base of the building.

When firefighters arrived on scene at 11.20am they found the father’s efforts had mostly extinguished the blaze. Mr Ireland said the heat had damaged some of the tin and burnt sections of wood. He said firefighters worked to ensure the smouldering fire was completely out. 

If the boy had not noticed the fire, the damage could have far more severe.

“The fire was started under the wooden floor – it could have been far worse,” Mr Ireland said.

“We praised the boy – especially because he was so alert at such a young age. It is a credit to him and a credit to his parents.” 

The Moorabool Criminal Investigation Unit is investigating the fire which has been deemed suspicious. 

Sergeant Troy Morrow said police were investigating a number of fires over the past few weeks at the school which they believed are linked.

Sergeant Morrow said all fires occurred on the weekend or days when the school was not occupied.

He said police believe children could be involved and said forensic police had examined the scene.

“We have spoke to neighbours in surrounding properties and have urged them to report any suspicious behaviour to police,” Sergeant Morrow said.

“People shouldn’t be in the school out of school hours.” 

CIU detectives are also investigating a spate of seven deliberately lit fires in the Ballan area. Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.