Fire chief says he's a suspect

MELBOURNE - A man who has named himself as Victoria's suspected Black Saturday arsonist says he is innocent and is a firefighter who saves lives and property.

Ron Philpott, the Murrindindi Country Fire Authority captain, has come under suspicion from police who have interviewed him several times regarding the Murrindindi Mill fire that is blamed for 38 deaths.

He confirmed to reporters yesterday that he had been questioned.

The 65-year-old, who works as a fencing contractor, was one of the first people to report the fire at the old sawmill near his home on February 7.

"I am innocent of any wrongdoing," Philpott said. "I am a fireman. I put out fires and save lives and property."

He said the Department of Sustainability and Environment fire tower was the first to report the blaze, although he radioed it in to the county.

"My vehicle never went anywhere near the fire scene until I went up there to call the tankers."

He says police told him they were tapping his phone and were tracking his car by satellite. Police have not confirmed Philpott is a suspect.

- AAP