Serial arsonist suspected as Kaitaia hit again

A arsonist suspected of more than 20 fires in Kaitaia is believed to be behind an attack which police say was lucky not to have destroyed a council building at the weekend.

Detective Steve Harris, of Kaitaia CIB, said a sack of sticks was placed against the Far North District Council service centre building and lit overnight Sunday.

"It was extremely lucky not to have caused serious damage as it burst a plastic water pipe which sprinkled water over the fire," he said.

The weekend attempt brings the number of suspicious fires in Kaitaia in the past 14 months to 21 or 22, Mr Harris said.

Most of the attempts have been on public buildings. One destroyed the arts society building and another caused severe damage to a number of classrooms at a primary school.

However, an April 17 fire was at a private address, causing police to express concern for public safety.

Nobody has been injured as a result of any of the fires to date, Mr Harris said.

He said police were still some way from finding the arsonist. There were strategies in place in their hunt for the perpetrator but public assistance was vital.

- NZPA