Arson charge after Queenstown house fire

A car, garage and part of a residential property in Lake Hayes Estate, between Arrowtown and Frankton, sustained significant damage after the car went on fire early yesterday morning. Photo: Tracey Roxburgh
A car, garage and part of a residential property in Lake Hayes Estate, between Arrowtown and Frankton, sustained significant damage after the car went on fire early yesterday morning. Photo: Tracey Roxburgh

A Queenstown man has been charged with arson over a house and garage fire in the resort on Wednesday morning.

The 21-year-old is also charged with burglary and unlawfully taking a motor vehicle. He is due to appear in Queenstown's district court tomorrow.

About 20 firefighters were called to Rere Road, Lake Hayes Estate, shortly after 3am on Wednesday, May 16.

They fought and extinguished a "well-involved'' fire which appeared to have began in the garage before spreading partially to the house.

No one was injured in the blaze. Four people were in the house but escaped.

Detective Matt Jones, Queenstown CIB, said the man was arrested yesterday, Saturday, May 19.

"He has been remanded in custody.''

He added: ``Police wish to thank the public for their ongoing help.''

Part of the roof of the property was pulled down to help extinguish the blaze. It is uninhabitable due to smoke and water damage. 

 

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