A man has been arrested after Timaru’s central Christmas tree suffered “significant fire damage” in a suspicious blaze early Friday morning.
Emergency services were called to the Caroline Bay Piazza around 5.25am, where the tree was found burning. Fire and Emergency NZ (FENZ) crews from Timaru and Washdyke worked to extinguish the flames.
Police said officers had responded to reports of the tree being set alight and arrested a 30-year-old man shortly after. Charges were being considered.
Timaru Mayor Nigel Bowen said the community was “disappointed” to wake up to the news.
The Christmas tree had been installed at the Caroline Bay Piazza on November 18, and Bowen said it had brought “lots of joy” to the community.
“It’s really, really sad that someone has decided to deprive the community of it through a stupid and destructive act.
“I’m disappointed that our locals and visitors won’t be able to continue the tradition of taking family photos of excited children in front of the tree at our Piazza. Although the tree is a symbol of Christmas we can’t get past the fact that it is a place of joy and connection for our community.”
He said the tree would be removed today, with council to provide any assistance as police and Fire and Emergency NZ investigate.
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