Teen admits fireworks sparked $50,000 fire

CHRISTCHURCH: A teenager yesterday admitted shooting fireworks from a moving car and sparking a $50,000 roadside fire.

Thomas Tecwyn Williamson (18) pleaded guilty to an intentional damage charge in the Christchurch District Court following the November 3 incident.

The court heard how Williamson was a passenger in a BMW car in the Selwyn district, outside Christchurch, when he lit and fired a firework as his mates drove a Mazda RX8.

Some of the shots from the firework hit a hedge on the opposite side of the road.

A witness yelled at the cars and they sped off.

A fire quickly spread, fanned by strong, warm winds.

Emergency services were called and the fire took several hours to put out, while the homeowners were evacuated overnight from their house.

The blaze caused ‘‘extensive damage’’ to the property, the court heard.

Several mature pine shelter belts were burnt and require removal and replanting.

A rideon lawnmower was ‘‘totally incinerated’’, while the fire got so close to the victims’ house that flames scorched and damaged a window awning.

Police publicised the description of the two cars and, three days later, Williamson handed himself in.

He admitted firing the fireworks out of the car window but denied shooting them at the RX8, claiming he aimed into the air.

It only occurred to him later, he said, that he should have checked to see if the shots had started a fire.

The court heard Williamson was helping the victims clean up the damage and would probably face reparations of almost $50,000.

Judge John Macdonald remanded him on bail to be sentenced on March 20. — NZME