The flames took hold quickly, and soon engulfed the downstairs area of the split-level house perched on a steep hillside street in Nelson. One tenant, who had just moved into the rental, escaped by running through the flames and was badly burned. It went up so fast.”Arrived with can of fuelAbout 9.50pm that night, Sparks went to the address carrying a jerry can of petrol he had bought from a nearby fuel station. He suffered smoke inhalation and burns to 20% of his body, and required treatment in Nelson Hospital’s intensive care unit before he was flown to Hutt Valley Hospital burns unit. Home owner suffered ‘significant loss’The owner of the property had suffered a significant financial loss as the house had been destroyed, as well as significant stress trying to sort out the insurance.
