Fire on Māngere Mountain: Trio released without charge after large scrub blaze, police hunt culprits

Three people arrested earlier after a large scrub fire erupted on Auckland’s Māngere Mountain have been released without being charged.

A police spokesperson said they were notified about multiple fires on Māngere Mountain around 4.30pm and arrested three people ten minutes later.

“There were at least three fires on the hillside, and it was reported to police that three males had been seen starting them deliberately.” they said earlier.

Now, the three males have been released without charge and “inquiries are ongoing to locate the person or persons responsible for lighting the fires”.

Police would like to hear from anyone who has information that could assist with inquiries, via phone 105, referencing job number P057135946.

Images from the scene by a Herald journalist show the combined large blaze on the side of the South Auckland volcanic cone.

Fenz said four fire crews and one support vehicle were dispatched.

Four fire crews are fighting a blaze on Māngere Mountain. Photo / Todd Murray