Taumarunui Police are appealing for help from the public in identifying and locating whoever is responsible for two suspicious fires that were lit yesterday evening (18 February, 2013).
The first fire happened around 10:50pm at a house on a rural property on Whakapapa Road, Kakahi, about 20 kilometres south east of Taumarunui.
"Initial findings indicate the fire was lit from underneath the house," says Officer in charge of Taumarunui Police Station, Senior Sergeant Grant Alabaster.
The four occupants inside at the time all managed to evacuate the burning house safely.
"The four occupants have been incredibly lucky to escape before the fire took hold and engulfed the house. This incident could have easily resulted in disaster had it not been for the quick thinking of those inside."
The Fire Service was first on the scene and Police shortly followed.
Approximately 90 minutes after the Fire Service extinguished the first fire a shed on the same property was set alight. This fire was also extinguished by the Fire Service.
Both the house and shed were completely destroyed.
Police in conjunction with the Fire Service are carrying out an investigation.
"Someone will know something about these fires and we ask them to come forward and help us identify and locate whoever is responsible for them," says Senior Sergeant Alabaster.
Anyone with information about the arsons is asked to contact the Taumarunui Police Station on (07) 895 8119. Alternatively information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Sara Stavropoulos on 027 702 0850.