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A former volunteer firefighter has been charged with arson after his colleagues became suspicious when they discovered the alert to a large shed fire came from their own station, which was supposed to be unmanned.
Glen Eden tyre fitter Michael John Bruce, 21, appeared in the Waitakere District Court yesterday.
Police allege that on January 23, Bruce, who was not on duty, stayed the night at the Waitemata Fire Station because he was having relationship difficulties.
They say that at 1.30am Bruce left the station and went to the Countdown supermarket in Westgate, Massey, where he bought a packet of firestarters.
It is alleged that Bruce scattered the firestarters in a large storage shed in Hobsonville and lit them before returning to the station less than 1km away.
He then reported the fire to the fire communications centre, which alerted his colleagues.
"When the first volunteer arrived at the station, the defendant was already kitted out in his firefighting gear, ready for action," a police summary of facts said.
Firefighters became suspicious when they were reviewing the incident and discovered the call reporting the fire was made from the station at a time when when there should not have been anyone at the base.
Bruce told his colleagues he stayed there that night because of relationship difficulties, a situation not unheard of for firefighters.
He said he went to get petrol and on his way back, saw smoke in the distance and discovered the fire.
Speaking outside the court, Bruce's lawyer, James Faleauto, said Bruce denied the charge.
Auckland Assistant Regional Commander David Neil said Bruce had since resigned from the brigade.
Bruce will reappear in court in May for a depositions hearing.
