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Source: ONE News -
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An arsonist whose handiwork destroyed buildings on Mount Ruapehu, may have struck more than once.
Five months ago the Forest and Bird Hutt on Whakapapa also went up in flames at about midnight, the same time the latest fire was lit.
At the time an electrical fault was thought to have caused the fire.
Police on Monday confirmed an accelerant was used to ignite the latest blaze, which ripped through the Whakapapa skifield causing around $5 million worth of damage.
"It's very disappointing and concerning that there are individuals out there who are prepared to go to this amount of trouble," says Dave Mazey from Ruapehu Alpine Lifts.
Police say three separate fires were lit in the Knoll Ridge Chalet, the skifield workshop and the top terminal of the chairlift.
They won't know what accelerant was used until further tests are completed.
There are also reports that the person responsible for the fires may be a disgruntled employee.
Meanwhile the skifield company is being extra cautious.
"We are certainly reviewing our security precautions with all of our assets," says Mazey.
Demolition has already begun in the twisted ruins, and the skifield is confident they will be open for business in time for the ski season.
Police are appealing for help from sightseers who may have seen anything suspicious.
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