Burned man listed as serious

Police and fire investigators examine the remains of a house that burned to the ground following an armed stand off between police and the home's occupant on Tuesday.

The man at the centre of a fiery armed stand off with police is being treated at Waikato Hospital as police ramp up an investigation into the incident.

The 41-year-old was transferred from Tauranga Hospital to Waikato yesterday where he was admitted to the hospital's intensive care unit in a critical condition. He has burns to his torso and hands, plus cuts to his wrists and throat and required immediate first aid when taken into custody on Tuesday night.

Armed police were called to the man's home on Ruahihi Rd earlier that day after a person passing by on nearly State Highway 29 spotted the fire.

However, the man at the property hindered police and obstructed firefighters' efforts to access the blaze, brandishing an unknown weapon. He was taken into custody when he would not negotiate with police.

Yesterday, police completed a scene examination of the remains at the property.

Tauranga Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Turner said the fire was being treated as an arson.

However, it was too early to determine whether the man would face charges.

"The occupant of the house, we are not able to speak to him for a few days for medical reasons," Mr Turner said.

A Waikato Hospital spokeswoman said the man was last night in a serious but stable condition in the hospital's high dependency unit.

Police and fire investigators at the scene yesterday wore dust masks and used shovels to help sift through the remains. Fire investigator Jon Rewi was unable to comment yesterday, as the matter was being dealt with by police, he said.

Police could not be reached for further comment.