Central West Police Detectives have re-activated the strike force established to investigate the Forbes Ambulance Station Fires in 2001.
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About 10pm on October 25, 2001 a fire occurred in the Forbes Ambulance Station on the corner of Court and Lachlan Streets Forbes.
This fire caused substantial damage to the Ambulance Station and was found to be deliberately lit.
Police have established a common link between the fires that went on to destroy the station and an ambulance, and two fires in Parkes this year, a media release issued by police on Thursday says.
The damage to the ambulance station was extensive and a temporary station was set up at the Forbes Hospital.
But more was to come.
On October 31, 2001 about 11:20pm an ambulance parked at the temporary station was set alight after a Molotov cocktail was thrown through its window.
Whilst the fire brigade was attending to this another fire was detected at the old Ambulance Station 30 minutes later. This was also found to be deliberately lit.
The second fire was very intense and the damage was such that the building was condemned and a new station built at the Forbes Hospital.
The ambulance station was eventually sold and has remained in a state of disrepair and has become an eyesore ever since.
On November 4, 2001 another fire occurred, this time at the Flint Street home of an ambulance officer.
Extensive inquires were conducted at the time with a strong focus on persons with a vendetta against the NSW Ambulance Service or with a reason for the Ambulance Station in Lachlan Street to be non functional, police say.
Despite the inquires and a coronial inquest in September 2014 there was insufficient evidence to place anybody before the court.
But police now have reason to reopen investigations into the series of fires.
About 4am on April 27 this year a fire caused major damage to a house in Parkesborough Rd Parkes.
Another fire, on May 23, totally destroyed the home.
Investigators have established a common link to all these fires and Strike Forces "Torpoint" has been re-established with a person of interest identified.
Police are seeking assistance from the public who may have information in relation to any of these fires and are asked to contact Parkes Police on 68629999 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
