Oamaru fire: Two referred to Youth Aid over school blaze

Flames towered above the treeline as a large vegetation fire broke out on the grounds of Waitaki Boys' High School in Oamaru this morning.

Two youth have been referred to Youth Aid over a large fire which took place at an Oamaru high school last week.

Emergency services were called to the fire involving 200m of mature macrocarpa trees at Waitaki Boys' High School shortly before 9am last Tuesday. On Wednesday, police confirmed the incident was being treated as suspicious.

Today, police detective Sergeant Rory McGeown said inquiries have subsequently identified those responsible.

"Our investigation has established the involvement of two youths, who will now be dealt with through the Youth Aid process," McGeown said.

Fire crews put out the blaze by around 11am on Tuesday.

"Fire can cause serious damage very quickly, and it’s fortunate no one was injured in this incident."

Police thanked the members of the public who had come forward with information which assisted the investigation.

"We appreciate the assistance from the community, which was instrumental in helping us resolve this matter."

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