They say the same fear keeps many from talking about the band of fire-starters in Ashmont, wreaking havoc across community.

Mrs Watkins revealed the harrowing moments they rushed outside to extinguish the paper-bark tree while a young group of kids and teens watched, laughed and whistled from a distance. 

“My husband and I heard male voices and saw a group of at least four standing near the tree out the front,” Mrs Watkins said.

“Seconds later it went up in flames.” 

She said property damage and theft was not unfamiliar, with repeat incidences leaving the couple too panicked to ever leave their home unattended. 

“They just stood there and laughed while my husband hosed trees,” Mrs Watkins said. “It’s frustrating.”

The couple, alongside others in the Ashmont neighbourhood, have taken to social media to share their frustrations.

“We’re paranoid,” Mrs Watkins said.

“And it’s not that the police aren’t working hard – it’s that these kids just don’t care.”

Saving for a home of their own, Mrs Watkins said she and her husband moved to Ashmont for cheaper rent prices but now they couldn’t wait to leave. 

“It’s the same group that often hang around, especially on nights you hear about the car break-ins and fires,” Mrs Watkins said.  

“They walk around wolf-whistling to each other and then you smell smoke.”

In what appeared to be another arson-related incident, Wagga firefighters were called to a grass fire at Stanley Street on Saturday at about 1.20pm.

Turvey Park Fire Station officer Chad Kennis said thankfully the fire only burnt 200-300 square-feet before it was extinguished.  

According to eye-witness reports, the fire was deliberately lit. 

Mr Kennis said if the fires were the result of the same group of people, they appeared to be becoming more brazen.

“If it keeps going it’s going to affect property and people,” Mr Kennis said. 

“It’s dangerous.”

One passer-by posted to social media after seeing the “little s***s” run away when she approached the Stanley Street hill in her vehicle. 

On Facebook, Leesy Jane said it was time the arsonists woke up to themselves. 

“Seriously what do you get out of doing this?” Ms Jane posted.

“It's not only dangerous, it's putting so many people's lives at risk.”