Arson charge follows house fire

A 49-year-old Dargaville beneficiary has been remanded in custody on a charge of arson after a house fire in the town on Sunday night.

Constable Shawn House said police were called to investigate the fire at Finlayson Park Ave and had gathered enough evidence to lay a charge of arson.

Northern region fire safety officer Terry Baylis said both Dargaville and Te Kopuru Volunteer Fire Brigades were called to the fire just before midnight.

Mr Baylis said the fire had started in a bedroom of the house and neighbours had managed to help a woman occupant to safety.

He said the fire was not caused by any electrical fault, nor was there any evidence of accelerants.

- NORTHERN ADVOCATE (WHANGAREI)