Bendigo CFA were called out just after 3pm and again just after 3.30pm to the playground next to Kalinanna Special School to attend to fires in the tanbark.

The fires burnt out a section of the tanbark and caused a small amount of damage to playground equipment.

Witnesses said they saw a youth in black clothes on a bicycle around the playground at the time of the incidents.

CFA senior station officer Darren Eenjes said police and the CFA were still investigating the cause of the fires, but they are believed to be deliberately lit.

“I’m not sure of the cause as yet,” he said. 

“It could be a cigarette.” 

Bendigo’s police Leading Senior Constable David Hockey said anyone with any information about the fires should contact Bendigo police.

“It’s a reminder for neighbours to be vigilant on a day like today which is a total fire ban.”