Two people were found with critical and serious injuries at a rural McNamaras Road property. Photo: Marika Khabazi / RNZ
A man is due to appear in Timaru District Court on Monday on serious family harm charges related to a Waimate house fire.
Two people were found with critical and serious injuries at a rural McNamaras Road property shortly before 1pm on Sunday. The two-storey house was also alight.
A police spokesperson said a man in his 30s was taken into custody without incident at the scene, and the fire was put out.
The man was treated in hospital for a head injury and charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and wilfully setting fire to property knowing danger to life was likely to ensue.
Fire and Emergency said one crew was still dampening down hotspots at the scene on Monday morning, after smoke was seen coming from the house.
A fire investigator was also on site.