Man arrested after ‘suspicious’ fire engulfs one of world’s most famous racecourses and 60 firefighters tackle blaze
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A MAN has been arrested after a 'suspicious' fire engulfed one of the world's most famous racecourses. Some 65 firefighters were needed to tackle the enormous blaze at Caulfield track in Melbourne, Australia. A 51-year-old man was arrested at a train station around 15 miles from the racecourse seven hours after the fire erupted.
![[Some 65 firefighters were rushed to tackle the blaze at Caulfield racecourse just outside Melbourne, Australia, with a 51-year-old male later being arrested]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/caulfield1.jpg?strip=all&w=880)
The male was detained after residents reported a number of grass fires in the area. He was charged with four counts of arson, two counts of trespass and one count each of burglary, criminal damage and theft. The male has been remanded in custody and will appear before Melbourne Magistrates' Court tomorrow.
![[The grandstand is seen damaged after a fire at the world-famous track]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/epa11810554-grandstand-seen-damaged-fire-962053511.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Photos posted online showed the extensive damage done to the grandstand - a listed building - with shattered glass and rubble everywhere. Rows of plastic seats in the grandstand had melted and a smoke warning was issued to the surrounding area as it billowed out of the two-storey stand.
![[The fire ravaged the listed building so loved by punters]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/caulfield3.jpg?strip=all&w=760)
A Victoria Police statement said: "Investigators are investigating links between the three grass fires, in the vicinity of Attenborough Park and reserve in Mordialloc about 12.30pm local time, and the grandstand fire. "The fires are all believed to be suspicious.
"The man will now be interviewed by detectives.". While a statement from Fire Rescue Victoria said: "The Norman Robinson Stand and 1876 bar were significantly affected by fire while another bar and an adjoining stand sustained some water damage. "Quick work by fire crews and an effective sprinkler system prevented any extension of the fire to adjoining stands.
