Mystery Mathoura tree fire

Four Mathoura Rural Fire Service firefighters spent three hours trying to extinguish a blaze which started in a hollow tree on Saturday evening.

Firefighters were called to the laneway off Mathoura St, Mathoura, near the Frome St intersection, about 8.20pm.

They were eventually stood down about 11.30pm.

The cause of the blaze has not yet been determined.

RFS Mid Murray Zone Inspector Doug Adamson said hollow trees are always difficult to fully extinguish.

The burned tree was expected to be removed yesterday by Murray River Council, who also attended on Saturday night.

Police also attended.

It is believed fireworks were being let off in an area of Mathoura before the fire started, with more fireworks heard by emergency services as they were fighting the blaze.

No official link between the fireworks and the blaze has been established.