Owners warned of arson risk

A fire investigator is calling for owners of vacant properties to ramp up security after two suspicious fires in less than two weeks.

Firefighters were called to a suspicious blaze at an empty property in the Christchurch suburb of Yaldhurst just after midnight on Sunday.

A Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fenz) spokesman said the house, on Pound Rd, was ‘‘well ablaze’’ when firefighters arrived.

Two fire crews and three tankers battled the fire through the night, but couldn’t save the house, which was ‘‘completely destroyed’’.

Fire investigator Bruce Irvine said the arsonist forced their way through a door at the property.

The property had been vacant for months but was in the process of changing owners before being set alight, Irvine said.

The homeowners were insured, he said.

A police spokeswoman said police were making further inquiries into the cause of the fire.

Firefighters fought another fire at a derelict house in east Christchurch on February 22, which was also confirmed as arson.

Emergency services were called to the blaze on Cowlishaw St, Avonside.

Detective Steve Rochford said police had no leads.

Irvine said both incidents highlighted the need for homeowners to make sure their properties were secure.