Concerns over two fires at Basin Reserve

A trustee of the Basin Reserve in Wellington is hoping opposition against roading projects around the cricket ground isn't the cause of two suspicious fires last night.

Police and Fire Service investigators will complete a scene examination later today.

Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Steve Dunn of the Wellington CIB says emergency services were called to the iconic cricket ground about 9.30pm, after being alerted to the fires by members of the public.

"Some rubbish was set alight in a toilet block, causing some damage, however a second fire at the rear of the R.A Vance Grandstand caused more damage. It appears milk and bread crates left outside the Grandstand were set alight."

City Councillor and Trustee of the Basin Reserve John Morrison says the roading issue is volatile.

"Groups that are very anti-road, anti-progress, anti-anything seem to be on the rampage. They're certainly very militant and they don't stop at anything. One hopes they're not involved in this," he says.

Mr Morrison says the grounds are an open thoroughfare and people have access to it all night.

"Roading around the Basin Reserve is a pretty volatile situation but I hope someone doesn't take the law into their own hands and decide the basin Reserve has to be burnt down," he said.

Police are appealing for any witnesses who may have been in the vicinity of the Basin Reserve at the time of the fires last night.

Meanwhile, police and the Fire Service are also investigating a suspicious fire at the NZTA building in Burgess Road, Johnsonville.

"A nearby resident phoned emergency services around 6.20pm last night to report the fire. It appears toilet rolls and corrugated cardboard were set alight, however they burnt out before causing any major damage," Mr Dunn says.

He says the fires last night highlight the need for businesses to ensure they do not leave flammable items outside their premises.

"It's very fortunate that prompt action by members of the public and emergency services brought these fires under control quickly last night, as there was a potential for much more significant damage to be caused."

Last weekend about 12 suspicious fires were lit in the wider Wellington area, including five churches, and a 43-year-old man has appeared in court and faces arson charges relating to the fires.

- Herald Online, Newstalk ZB, NZPA