Suspicious fires in Christchurch

An investigation is being carried out after four fires occurred in a small area of Christchurch overnight. File photo

Four fires in a small area of Christchurch overnight are believed to have been deliberately lit.

Fire Service spokesman Andrew Norris said Fire Service were called to Bangor St at 3.30am after a garage in a new housing unit.

"There was a family living there and they were quickly out of the house and safe," Mr Norris said.

While on the scene of the garage fire, a fire crew noticed another fire lit in a rubbish skip nearby.

An hour later, Fire Service were notified of another fire in a rubbish skip and a pallet pile on fire in the same area of Avon Loop about two blocks away.

"So, we've had four fires in the area, and we have reason to believe they were deliberately lit," Mr Norris said.

Police came across two people of interest in an abandoned motel, Mr Norris said.

Detective Constable Zhe Zhang said: "Police and Fire Service Investigators completed a scene examination this morning and we are now treating the fires as suspicious."

"The flat adjacent to the garage fire sustained considerable damage however the occupant was able to raise the alarm and escaped injury. Police understand there were working smoke alarms in the flat at the time of the fire," he said.

"Given the timing and location of the fires it is fortunate that no one in the complex of flats was killed or seriously injured. This is a timely reminder that working smoke alarms do save lives and for everyone to check they have working smoke alarms in their property"