At approximately 10:30pm on Saturday night two fire brigade units, two Rural Fire Service units and Glen Innes Severn Council’s compactor attended the scene. Fire Captain Earl Sharman said the fire was relatively small and located close to the roadway in the general area, which meant the fire did not spread too deep and was quick to extinguish.

Glen Innes Severn Council’s Director of Development and Environmental Services Graham Price said there had been a number of recent fires at the landfill site. He said the frequency of fires had increased substantially since Council flagged expanding into the existing quarry as a future landfill option.

Mr Price said due to the increase in the number of fires it would be reasonable to suspect that some or all of these fires had been deliberately lit.

Council is in the process of implementing security measures, such as additional fences and security cameras, Mr Price said.

Community concerns were raised about the possible spread of the fires to neighbouring houses and the toxic fumes and smoke in the area.

Mr Price said the best method to protect the residents would be to find the perpetrator lighting the fires.

Despite beliefs otherwise, Glen Innes Police had only been notified of the incident when contacted by the Examiner yesterday. Detective Dale Keegan said police would be working with the council and a full investigation was expected.