Taupo boat, house and car fires believed to be deliberately lit

A boat was destroyed and three cars damaged in two separate fires which Taupo police say were deliberately lit.

Early yesterday police and the Taupo Fire Service were called to a house fire in Lakewood Drive.

The fire had started in a boat parked under a verandah and spread to the side of the house, damaging a small area.

Fire officers were unable to save the boat which was destroyed. A vehicle parked nearby also caught alight and there was minor damage to the passenger side.

Within half an hour of the boat fire police say the mudflaps of two cars parked in a nearby street were set alight. The cars were still on fire when police arrived.

Acting Detective Sergeant Andy Allan from Taupo CIB said examinations confirmed both fires were deliberately lit.

It was likely the offenders were on their way home or heading to a party when they lit the fires, he said.

"We're eager to hear from anyone that may have had a party in that area on Christmas night or into the early hours of Boxing Day."

- NZPA