Latrobe Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating a deliberately lit fire near Churchill along the edge of pine plantation off Glendonald Road, near the Rickard Drive area.
Detective Senior Constable Ian Walk said the fire was reported about 3.30pm on Tuesday and burnt an area of 20 by 20 metres.
It was extinguished by CFA and Hancock Victoria Plantations firefighters.
“There’s definitely no natural intervention such as lightning, we’ve ruled that out,” Det Snr Const Walk said.
“It had the potential to cause a serious impact on both a commercial asset and the Gippsland community.”
The Arson Squad is assisting with the investigation and police are appealing for witnesses.
Anybody with information about the fire, or who saw people or vehicles in the area can phone Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000.
