A partygoer allegedly threatened Waverley fire officers with a pitchfork when they arrived on Wednesday night to quell a bonfire blazing out of control.
The drama occurred during a party at a Smith St house, held by a man believed to be aged in his 40s.
Senior Constable Brian Rook said a
large bonfire had been stacked and lit on the front lawn of the house.
"The partygoers were all standing up on the verandah of the house drinking and they were all pretty intoxicated," Mr Rook said.
About 8pm the fire suddenly appeared to be spreading out of control and worried residents rang the local fire brigade.
But when the brigade arrived, the man allegedly rushed at them brandishing a pitchfork. "The fire officers did the right thing. They retreated from the Smith St address and called in the police.
"It certainly wasn't a situation for them to deal with," Mr Rook said.
Police units from Wanganui attended the incident.
The man was arrested and taken to Wanganui Police Station, where he was locked up for the night.
He was charged with possession of an offensive weapon and will appear in Wanganui District Court on Tuesday.
