Waitākere District Court bedside hearing after Massey fire arrest

A woman seen walking towards a property with a jerry can is appearing in a bedside court hearing after a suspicious fire at a West Auckland property.

Waitemata Crime Squad acting detective Inspector Megan Goldie said one person had been charged with wilfully setting fire to property following a blaze at Sunline Ave, Massey about 7.40pm yesterday.

Photos showed Fire and Emergency New Zealand and police responding, while a Herald reporter on the scene said black smoke could be seen from as far as Henderson.

“Upon police arrival, Fire and Emergency crews were at the property extinguishing the fire which had engulfed two vehicles and exterior structures,” said Goldie.

“All occupants were accounted for.”

She said police secured the scene and an examination was completed alongside Fire and Emergency investigators.

Fire crews were called to a house blaze in the West Auckland suburb of Massey. Photo / Supplied

“A witness reported to police seeing a woman walking towards the property with a jerry can prior to the fire starting.

“The Police Dog unit was deployed to locate the woman.”

Police were then called to an incident at Scarlett Dr, Rānui and found a woman at the address with burn injuries.

The woman fled and was tracked by the dog unit and Police Eagle helicopter before being found nearby and arrested.

“A 45-year-old woman will appear in Waitākere District Court today,” Goldie said.

“She is appearing at WDC via a bedside hearing as she is currently in Middlemore Hospital.”

Fire and Emergency said a carport, van and car were set on fire.

A fire broke out on Sunline Ave in Massey in West Auckland. Photo / Supplied

Yesterday evening, neighbours spilled out in to the streets to look at the burning property, with firefighters telling them to move back because of the strong smell.

One resident told the Herald she heard a “huge boom” while in the middle of her evening prayer.

“I was sitting next to the window in the kitchen and the sound shocked me. I opened my eyes and looked outside, only to see flames shooting up to the sky and black smoke,” she said.

“My neighbour ran over to check if I was okay and she said she was about to call the fire service.”