Finding into death of Bendigo Maiden Gully Bushfires
Demographics
male
Date of death
2009-02-07
Finding date
2013-06-07
Cause of death
Death in fire of deliberate origin (ignition by person(s) unknown)
AI-generated summary
A fire occurred on 7 February 2009 in a dry creek bed at the rear of 54 Bracewell Street, Maiden Gully, Victoria, near Bendigo. The fire spread rapidly, burning for six hours and destroying 61 houses, damaging approximately 125 outbuildings, and causing over $23.5 million in damage across 354 hectares. One person died (Kevin Michael Kane) and 41 casualties were recorded. Investigations by Energy Safe Victoria, Victoria Police, and forensic officers excluded accidental causes including lightning, vehicular activity, electrical sources, campfires, construction work, and carelessly discarded cigarettes. The coroner concluded the fire was deliberately lit by person(s) unknown. Two youths were arrested and charged with arson causing death in 2010, but criminal proceedings were discontinued by the Director of Public Prosecutions in 2011. The coroner declined further investigation, noting the extensive prior investigations by police and the Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission.
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