More than 30 firefighters across the Riverina worked to contain the inferno that destroyed the Mobil service station at Coolac. Photo: NSW RFS South West Slopes Zone.
A 42-year-old man has fronted court following an investigation into a fire that destroyed a service station near Gundagai.
Mark Bassal faced Picton Local Court on Wednesday (6 December), charged with destroying or damaging property by fire and had his bail formally refused by Magistrate David Degnan.
Police said emergency services were called to the Mobil petrol station in Coolac following reports of a fire at about 10 pm on 5 September.
More than 30 firefighters from NSW RFS and Fire and Rescue across the Riverina were at the scene to contain the blaze before it reached the fuel bowsers.
Despite the efforts of the firefighters, the property was extensively damaged. There were no reports of injuries.
Officers attached to Riverina Police District established a crime scene and commenced inquiries before State Crime Command’s Financial Crimes Squad Arson Unit took carriage of the investigation under Strike Force Dosed.
Investigators examined the site of the Mobil petrol station in Coolac that was destroyed by a fire and believe it was deliberately lit. Photo: NSW Police.
Following inquiries by Arson Unit detectives, the Liverpool man was arrested at Narellan Police Station at about 9:40 am on 6 December.
Investigations under Strike Force Dosed continue.
Magistrate Degnan set the next court appearance for Bassal on 18 December at Cootamundra Local Court.
Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
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