Police interviewing residents at an Akura Rd property after the fire was extinguished. PHOTO/KAREN COLTMAN
KAREN COLTMAN
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A 24-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a fire that started just before 1pm at an Akura Rd property on Tuesday.
“I can confirm that the fire appears to have been lit in a bedroom of the home and that no one has been hurt at the event,” Detective Senior Sergeant Barry Bysouth said.
“The investigation continues into exactly how the fire was lit and the reasons for it, but I can confirm that we are not looking for anyone else in relation to this matter.”
The arrested man lives at the house and is a family member of the three other residents.
Masterton Fire Station duty officer Kevin Smith said the mother of the man who was arrested went outside to hose the house down when the flames from the fire started to move up and out of the bedroom window and on to the outside of the house.
Smith said the bed and bedding was on fire.
“Her actions definitely helped to save the house.
“It didn’t take us long to get the fire out and manage the smoke when we arrived.”
After extinguishing the fire, firefighters inspected the ceiling and air vents to be sure no flames or smoke was trapped in the house.
Smith said the household had two smoke alarms, which went off, but advised that four-bedroom houses should have more.
Police and fire officers returned yesterday to do a full inspection of the scene as part of an ongoing investigation.
