The spectacular fire broke out early on Friday in the suburb of Kensington. Photo: Supplied / Dean Smith
A 57-year-old man is facing an arson charge after the fire in the vacant boarding house in Phillips Street in Dunedin last Friday.
The man, who has no fixed abode, appeared in Dunedin District Court on Wednesday afternoon and was granted interim name suppression.
He did not enter a plea and was remanded in custody until his next court appearance on 23 November.
The charge has a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison.
Police confirmed on Saturday no-one died in the blaze.
Emergency services were initially concerned people could have been inside the destroyed two-storey house during the fire because squatters were known to visit the house.
Detective Senior Sergeant Rob Hanna said today he was grateful no-one was injured in the blaze, however, several neighbouring properties had been damaged.
"The quick response and containment by Fire and Emergency New Zealand prevented more damage to surrounding properties," he said.
He thanked members of the public who assisted officers with the investigation.