Arson attack, multiple fires in Auckland, arrests made

Police said there was not a fire, and that the youths had been seen lighting a spray can on the train.

The small fire had been extinguished by the time crews arrived, and police were speaking with several young people over the incident. Photo / Hayden Woodward

The new City Rail Link stations had very good processes in place and the right equipment to put out fires on platforms and trains, Thomas said.

The materials used in the stations were also of low combustibility.

Just before 1am, a garage was reported on fire in Point Chevalier, with the 30sq m building “well involved” when crews arrived, northern shift manager Garreth Lewis said.

Crews damp down a burnt-out garage on Sutherland Rd in Pt Chevalier. Photo / Hayden Woodward

Two fire trucks attended the incident, and a fire investigator would return this morning to determine the cause of the blaze.

A Herald photographer at the scene said those believed responsible for the fire fled on foot. Multiple people were arrested at a nearby shopping centre a short time later.

Detective Senior Sergeant Ash Matthews of Auckland City CIB confirmed two men had been charged.

He said the house the fire was set at was vacant and there were no reports of any injuries.

“Police units conducted area enquiries, assisted by camera operators, and located two people matching witness descriptions a short distance away,” he said in a statement.

Scene guards will remain at the property while enquiries are ongoing.

“Two men, aged 26 and 50, will appear in the Auckland District Court today charged with arson.”

Multiple arrests were made following the alleged arson attack on a garage on Sutherland Rd in Pt Chevalier. Photo / Hayden WoodwardThe arrests in connection with the Pt Chevalier fire were made at a nearby shopping centre. Photo / Hayden Woodward

Meanwhile, just after 1am multiple calls were received about a house on fire in Ōtara. The single-storey home was well involved when crews arrived, with a second alarm raised, Lewis said.

Five fire trucks and one command unit attended and all residents had been accounted for. A fire investigator would return this morning.