It was almost universally accepted the fire started between power poles 42 and 43 in a paddock next to Folewood Road.

This view was supported by the controversial EnergySafety report which could not pinpoint the cause of the fire.

However highly experienced fire investigator Paul Allardyce said the fire started between poles 41 and 42.

Mr Allardyce is working for the victims of the fire pro bono.

He solidified his opinion over the weekend when he visited the fire ground.

What alerted him was the witness statements that black smoke was seen as the fire started.

“Barley stubble burns grey or white,” he said.

With a photograph taken from a residence, Mr Allardyce was able to take bearings on the home from the power poles and then take back bearings with help from local people.

This placed the source of the fire well away from the area between poles 42 and 43.

Mr Allardyce went to this spot and found what he says was clear evidence it was the ignition point.

“Trees were within 3m of the line and there is evidence of them coming across the lines,” he said.

“Local volunteer firefighter James Knapp was the first to discover evidence that trees were rubbing against the wires.

“The rocks in the area are burnt and this is consistent with the direction the fire would have taken. It is interesting that a newly inserted pole, now known as 41A, is approximately 2m to the north of the previous course of the line taken between poles 41 and 42.”