Wagga Wagga police investigate Wilks Park caravan fire

NSW Police are investigating a fire that destroyed a caravan at Wilks Park in Wagga Wagga on Tuesday afternoon, August 18. The blaze occurred in an area where people experiencing homelessness reside. While firefighters from Fire and Rescue NSW extinguished the flames, the caravan was completely destroyed. No injuries or other property damage were reported.

The incident follows the death of four Shar-Pei dogs belonging to the resident of the caravan. The Wagga Wagga Council noted that the dogs had previously been held at the Glenfield Road Animal Shelter for 11 days after being found unattended, but were returned to the owner after required fees were paid. This decision faced criticism from local housing advocates regarding animal welfare and the owner's living circumstances.

While a crime scene has been established, police have not yet stated the cause of the fire, nor have they suggested a connection between the blaze and the deaths of the four dogs. The owner's remaining dogs have been taken into council care.