Serial arsonist suspected after several fires in Rotorua 

Police and fire officers say they could be hunting a serial arsonist after several fires were deliberately lit around the Rotorua in less than one-and-a-half hours.

The Te Ngae Police station, Rotorua courthouse, Rotorua Girls' High School and the central shopping district, City Focus, were all targeted this morning, with fire officers having to call on back-up crews to dampen the blazes.

The first fire started at the Te Ngae Police Station at about 5.30am after an offender smashed a window.

Rotorua Fire Chief Wayne Bedford said the flames were confined to one room but the whole station was badly smoke damaged.

The second fire was lit inside the Rotorua Courthouse about 20 minutes later.

Areas on the ground floor suffered minor damage but the entire building was filled with smoke.

Just before 7am windows to three classrooms were smashed and fires lit inside, damaging walls and ceilings.

Mr Bedford said he expected the classrooms would be out of action for the next few days.

A roller door in City Focus was also targeted but failed to ignite.

Police say they suspect diesel was used as an accelerant.

It was likely fires at all sites around the city were linked, Mr Bedford said.

"If I was asked to make a statement on that now I would say they were lit by the same person."

After fire crews managed to extinguish the flames, Rotorua police cordoned off access to the affected classrooms and courthouse.

Forensic experts were due to arrive from Auckland to examine the scenes today. with support from fire safety officers.

Caption: A fire investigation officer takes photographs at the Rotorua Girls' High School this morning.

- Daily Post