Police are investigating seven suspicious scrub fires in Port Waikato and Taukau over the last two months. Photo: RNZ
Counties Manukau police are calling for witnesses to seven suspicious scrub fires in Port Waikato and Tuakau over the past two months.
Detective Senior Sergeant Simon Taylor said five of the fires were in February and police were working with Fire and Emergency to establish their scope.
"We will consider all investigative opportunities to hold those responsible to account," he said in a statement.
"At this stage we are keeping an open mind as to whether these fires are linked or not."
The dry weather, and the proximity of the fires to the Port Waikato township, was causing significant concern, Taylor said.
It was fortunate that there had been no injuries or loss of life as a result of the fire, he said.
"The dry weather, and at times proximity to the Port Waikato township, causes significant concern and risk for the township," Taylor said.
No arrests had been made at this stage, he said.
The fires under investigation were on 11 January, 9 February, 17 February, 26 February, 27 February and 4 March.
Meanwhile Fire and Emergency Counties Manukau community risk manager Thomas Harre encouraged anyone with information to come forward to help the police investigation.
"These fires are causing a lot of anxiety in the community, so we want them to stop.
"Our fire brigades have had to spend a lot of time responding to these fires, and that has put pressure on them if there are other incidents to attend to in the area.
"Most of the crews have been volunteers, so this means time away from family or from their place of work to fight these fires."
Harre said there were simple steps people could take to keep themselves, and their homes, safe from wildfire.
"Things like keeping your grass short, keeping gutters clear and removing highly flammable plants from around your property can help.
"Longer term, planting low flammability plants before next summer reduces your risk."
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