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A man accused of lighting a bushfire just outside Mount Gambier while he was wearing a silver mask and a black cape has been denied bail. The Mount Gambier Magistrates Court heard Travis Doel, 37, also allegedly swore at two women on Friday evening before they noticed the fires he is accused of lighting at the city's Valley Lake. Police say Mr Doel stole a cask of wine from a liquor store in Mount Gambier earlier in the day and was seen with the box while at Valley Lake — a recreational lake next to the more famous Blue Lake. Police charged Mr Doel with causing a bushfire, threatening to cause harm, theft and offensive language. The prosecutor told the court Mr Doel swore at two women walking at the lake about 6:30pm on October 24 and allegedly threatened to rape them. Fires could have spread The prosecutor said the women then noticed six fires had started near where Mr Doel had been. "I don't need to tell the court how dangerous that behaviour could be," the prosecutor told the court. The fire danger season for the lower South East starts on November 1, but Friday night was cold and still. The prosecution, however, said there was still potential for it to spread. A black cape and a silver mask that Mr Doel had been seen wearing were allegedly found near where the fires were lit. Bail denied over seriousness "The seriousness of the offending, the protection of the community, and what has allegedly occurred is not a matter that I consider Mr Doel should be granted bail of any form," Magistrate Kossiavelos said. Mr Doel will appear in court again in February. Police have called for any other witnesses to come forward, including anyone with dash-cam footage. Acting Superintendent Nick Patterson said police were worried about the upcoming bushfire season. "We actually don't just look at people committing offences in terms of arson. We also look at people who are being negligent or reckless in their activities that could cause a bushfire," he said.
