Ashley fires 'suspicious'

"Mindless" firebugs lit more than 10 separate fires during 90 chaotic minutes along the Ashley River banks yesterday.

Rangiora Volunteer Fire Brigade chief fire officer Ross Ditmer said his brigade was called to a grass fire on the river's banks behind the town's racecourse at 4.20pm and "from there things escalated".

The Rangiora brigade, helped by volunteers at Waikuku Beach and Woodend, were called to 10 separate fires over 90 minutes, spanning about 10 kilometres.

"The fires didn't start on their own – they're certainly suspicious," Ditmer said.

About 40 volunteers, who operated four fire engines and four tankers, plied the river's banks yesterday afternoon.

"We're just fortunate none of my firefighters were hurt or injured in the process and they've given up their afternoon to do this," Ditmer said.

"It's mindless action; it's not needed."

Early yesterday the Rangiora brigade was called to two other suspicious fires – a couch ablaze on the roof of Hubbers Furnishings, in High St, and a clothing bin set on fire in Blake St.

Sergeant Lindsay Turner said police wanted to hear from people who were in the Ashley River area, north and south of the bridge on the road to Loburn, who may have seen something suspicious. Call Rangiora police on 033136167.

- © Fairfax NZ News