Arson accused blames 'cigarette flick' for devastating fire
The man accused of deliberately starting a fire that put homes and lives at risk in the NSW Hunter Valley has been refused bail in court.
Father-of-two Craig Lambkin claims he simply flicked a lit cigarette onto the ground while visiting the Kurri Kurri cemetery on Tuesday, and “panicked” when he saw the flames.
Appearing in the Maitland court on Wednesday, it was alleged the 26-year-old was in possession of a mobile phone but made “no attempt to call the emergency authorities”.
The court also heard Lambkin initially told detectives he hadn’t been to Kurri Kurri, before admitting to flicking the cigarette.
The fire, which was sparked in hot conditions, forced the evacuation of homes and businesses across Kurri Kurri, with water bombers called in to stop the blaze spreading.
Police say a vigilant couple saw the alleged arsonist emerge from bushland moment after seeing black smoke.
The couple claim that the man gave them “a cheeky grin” as he rode away on a mountain bike.
After calling 000, the couple then followed the accused in their car to the neighbouring suburb of Weston.
Lambkin was arrested at his home in Weston on Tuesday afternoon.
Authorities are now trying to determine if Lambkin is linked to other fires that have recently torn through the Kurri Kurri area.
“With the firies mate, you’ve got to take your hat off to them,” one grateful resident said.
Lambkin has been refused bail and he’ll appear in court again on 27 February on charges of intentionally causing a fire and being reckless as to it spreading.