Police charge man after lighting fire in Telarah

A man will appear in court today charged with allegedly lighting a grass fire in the Hunter yesterday.

About 9.20pm on Thursday 5 December 2019, police will allege a 40-year-old man was on Elizabeth Street, Telarah, when he allegedly poured accelerant on a vacant block of land and ignited it.

The fire quickly spread towards nearby rail lines, before neighbours and a passing motorist managed to extinguish most of the blaze.

About 10 minutes later, officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District and NSW Fire and Rescue arrived at the scene and spoke with the 40-year-old.

He was arrested and taken to Maitland Police Station where he was charged with intentionally cause fire and be reckless as to its spread.

He was refused bail to appear at Maitland Local Court today (Friday 6 December 2019).

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