Firefighters extinguished the blaze but the caravan was destroyed. Photo: Supplied.
NSW Police are investigating a fire that destroyed a caravan at Wagga Wagga’s Wilks Park on Tuesday afternoon, a day after four dogs belonging to a man living at the site were found dead.
The blaze broke out on the Gardiner Street side of Wilks Park at about 4 pm on 18 August, in an area where people experiencing homelessness have been living.
Region understands the caravan belonged to a man who had been living at the site with several dogs.
A NSW Police spokesperson said Riverina Police officers attended with Fire and Rescue NSW and quickly extinguished the blaze, but the caravan was destroyed.
“There were no other reports of damage and no reports of injuries,” the spokesperson said.
“A crime scene was established as an investigation into the incident commenced.”
Police have not publicly stated what caused the fire.
There is currently no suggestion from police that the caravan fire was connected to the deaths of the four dogs.
The blaze occurred on Tuesday afternoon (18 August). Photo: Supplied.
Nevertheless, the fire broke out on a day of heightened tensions at Wilks Park, with Wagga Council revealing the Shar-Peis had previously spent 11 days in its care at the Glenfield Road Animal Shelter after they were found roaming unattended.
Council then returned the dogs to their own after he paid the required fees.
“The dogs were returned to him as he was lawfully entitled to their return,” a council spokesperson said.
This decision was strongly criticised by local housing advocates, who held a press conference on Tuesday morning and questioned why council returned the animals to the site despite concerns about their welfare and the man’s circumstances.
The cause of the dogs’ deaths has not been publicly detailed by council. The man’s remaining dogs have since been taken into council care.
The Shar-Peis were living at Wilks Park. Photo: Supplied.
The fire comes as people living at Wilks Park face the prospect of being moved on by Wagga Wagga City Council. The council has issued notices threatening rough sleepers at Wilks Park and along the Murrumbidgee River with $1000 fines if they fail to leave.
Housing advocates have questioned where people are expected to go, arguing there is no immediate permanent housing available for many of those living at the site. The alternative offered through Homes NSW has largely involved stays in hotels and motels, while social housing wait times in Wagga stretch for years.
Advocates including Vickie Burkinshaw, Chris Roche, Tim Verhoef, Leigh Swansborough and former ABC journalist Moyra Shields have urged the NSW Government and council to establish a serviced temporary camp at Wiradjuri Reserve, with toilets, showers, heating, security and access to support services. Councillor Richard Foley has also backed the proposal, saying people need somewhere safe and secure to move to rather than simply being forced out of their existing camps.
Police are continuing their investigation into Tuesday’s fire. As inquiries continue, anyone with information is urged to contact Crime stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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