A 17-year-old has been arrested in relation to a fire in Christchurch that threatened homes.
The fire on the sand dunes in the suburb of Southshore broke out just before 3pm yesterday.
A helicopter with a monsoon bucket was called to help fight the blaze. Photo: RNZ / Sally Murphy
More than 60 firefighters and a helicopter with a monsoon bucket were called to the blaze, which prompted evacuations and led to almost the entire suburb being cordoned off.
The police said the man was arrested last night and charged with arson.
He was granted bail in the Christchurch District Court today, and is expected to reappear on 22 December.
