Police have arrested and charged three 23-year-old men after three large vegetation fires in the Hawke’s Bay region earlier this month.
Fireworks were seen being shot out of a vehicle’s window as it drove along Hautope Rd at about 11.30pm on September 7, a police spokesperson said.
“Three significant fires were sparked as a result, and flames were fanned by strong winds.
“The fires had the potential to cause injury and widespread damage and police want to thank the quick-thinking member of the public who raised the alarm and prevented the situation from getting any worse,” the spokesperson added.
The men were arrested on September 27 following “weeks of inquiries into the fires”.
The trio face charges of arson and are due to appear in the Hastings District Court on October 1.
