A suspected arson at a beautiful but remote Northland settlement has revived grievances over land ownership.

A teenager accused of burning down a family home on Christmas Day has spoken for the first time.

Arsonists and "idiots" defied fire bans yesterday as at least five suspicious fires stretched firefighters to the limit.

Fires raged up and down the country yesterday stretching emergency services to "maximum capacity".

A former lover has admitted setting fire to his ex-partner's house and torching her car after failing to win her back.