Some type of accelerant was used to start the fire which raced through the WasteBusters base in Alexandra on Thursday night, Detective Alan Lee, of the Alexandra CIB, said yesterday.
Police had ''no strong leads yet'' in the arson investigation and information from the public was the key to solving the crime, he said.
''We'd like people to contact us with information, photos or videos of the fire. That will be the key. Think of it as not helping the police, but helping the community out,'' Det Lee said.
The scene examination was finished and the site had been ''handed over'' to WasteBusters' insurer, which had secured the site. The investigation could be lengthy, he said. Forensic evidence gathered at the scene was being processed and staff would be interviewed.
''This was a community facility which employed local people and it did not have a ton of money, so I imagine there could be some negative feelings out there about this act,'' Det Lee said.
''This is a small town and someone will know who is responsible. We need them to contact us.''
Central Otago Mayor Tony Lepper was angry to learn the fire was deliberate.
''WasteBusters is a community facility, which does a hell of a lot of good. It's unfortunate they've received a blow like this and I hope they can bounce back. Of course, the [Central Otago District] council will support them as much as we can.''
It was hard to believe someone could target an operation which was getting back on its feet after some tough times.
''Why would anyone want to do something like this to WasteBusters?''
Wanaka WasteBusters took over the struggling Central Otago WasteBusters operation on July 1.
It continued the activities carried out at the Alexandra base, including the Re use shop and recycling processing plant, both of which were gutted in the fire.
Many of the Alexandra staff had been made redundant earlier in the year as the venture struggled financially.
Seven staff were employed after Wanaka took over and the manager of both ventures, Sue Coutts, said more would be employed as the Alexandra operation expanded.
Ms Coutts said yesterday staff and volunteers were ''sad and a bit angry'' about the arson.
''I think everyone's a bit shocked. It was bad enough to have the big fire and the loss of the facilities and all that.''
However, the goodwill and support shown by the community since the fire was heartening, she said. The facility was well insured and would be running again as soon as possible.
The main options for a temporary base would be considered today. .
Central Otago WasteBusters life member Fred Peyton, who was a foundation member 15 years ago and continues to volunteer at the site, said it was hard to come to terms with the fire being deliberately lit.
''That's like two kicks in the guts ... even an animal wouldn't go and do something like that to anyone.''
