A man has been charged following a house fire in Lochinvar early Wednesday morning.
Emergency services were called to St Helena Close about 1am after reports of a home well alight. Fire and Rescue NSW crews worked to extinguish the blaze, but the property was extensively damaged.
A 22-year-old man was arrested at the scene and taken to John Hunter Hospital under police guard. A male sergeant also suffered smoke inhalation and was treated at the same hospital.
Officers from Port Stephens/Hunter Police District established a crime scene and began investigating the cause of the fire.
Following inquiries, the man was charged this afternoon with damaging property by fire or explosion. He was refused bail and is due to appear before Bail Division Court 2 today.
