A 24-year old man has been charged with arson following three suspicious fires at Darfield west of Christchurch yesterday.
In one case a barn was severely damaged and may have to be demolished.
In another incident a tree line was set alight and in a third fire a tractor parked in a paddock was set alight and significantly damaged.
The police said local farmers and volunteer firefighters helped them search for the suspect who was eventually located within a cordoned area, three and a half hours after the fires were started.
Along with two counts of arson, the accused is facing one count of wilful damage. He will appear in the Christchurch District Court next month.
