By 1news.co.nz and is republished with permission
Three men were arrested but released without being charged after multiple fires were allegedly started deliberately on Auckland’s Māngere Mountain.
Photos sent to 1News showed a large plume of smoke rising from one side of the maunga.
Fire and Emergency said that they responded to emergency calls at around 4.30pm on Wednesday. The fire covered an area of 60 metres by 50 metres.
A police spokesperson said they were called to the scene around 4.30pm on Wednesday to assist Fire and Emergency NZ.
“There were at least three fires on the hillside, and it was reported to police that three males had been seen starting them deliberately,” police said.
At around 4.40pm, three males were taken into custody at an address near the fires, police said.
By 6.10pm, FENZ updated the situation to say five crews were still at the scene, dampening down hot spots.
Just after 6.50pm, police said the three people taken into custody had been released without charge and enquiries were ongoing to locate the person or persons responsible for lighting the fires.
Police would like to hear from anyone who has information that could assist with enquiries, via phone 105, referencing job number P057135946.
