Nielsen Funerals "heartbroken" over arson

Nielsen Funerals staff were "heartbroken" after being the victim of an alleged targeted firebombing attack last Wednesday night.

A 43-year-old Warragul man was charged the following day with a number of offences including arson.

Baw Baw CIU detectives allege a man walked along Howitt St, Warragul towards the funeral home on Warragul-Korumburra Rd, before smashing several windows on the side of the building at about 7:30pm.

It is alleged the man threw a flammable item through one of the broken windows of a newly constructed meeting room, igniting the fire.

Police said a staff member inside at the time was able to self-evacuate uninjured.
The man reportedly fled the scene on foot along Landsborough St. Police searched the area and arrested the man nearby.

The Warragul man has been charged with criminal damage by arson, reckless conduct endangering life, reckless conduct endangering serious injury, and committing an indictable offence whilst on bail.

Nielsen Funerals director Mark Gauci said it was "heartbreaking" the fire appeared to be an intentional act but the motive was not completely related to his team.

Mr Gauci believed the fire related to a man seeking family contact details of a deceased man who allegedly owed him money. He said the man had died a few years ago and since then his next-of-kin also had died.

Mr Gauci said he was thankful the staff member still at the premises was able to call emergency services promptly and the quick response prevented the fire spreading.

The fire was contained to a new meeting room, which was destroyed in the blaze.
"We are so thankful that no one was harmed and that the fire was contained to our recently renovated front meeting room," he said.

Mr Gauci said the chapel and mortuary were not damaged and business was able to continue as planned last week.

"Our amazing team are all completely devastated, this is more than just a job to us and we cannot even begin to understand how this could occur," he said.

The accused appeared at Latrobe Valley Magistrates' Court on Thursday, and has been remanded to appear again on December 15.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, with CCTV/dashcam vision or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.