Two charged after Cootamundra unit fire

A UNIT was allegedly deliberately set alight in Cootamundra in the early hours of Friday morning, forcing residents from their homes and leaving several people needing treatment for smoke inhalation.

Emergency services rushed to a unit block on Sutton Street, near Mackay Street, about 2.25am on Friday following reports of a fire.

Officers from Riverina Police District arrived to find a unit well alight and evacuated residents from surrounding properties as Fire and Rescue NSW crews battled the blaze.

NSW Ambulance paramedics treated a number of people for smoke inhalation.

Police established a crime scene and launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire.

As inquiries continued, investigators allege a utility vehicle parked at the rear of the unit was also damaged and had its tyres stolen.

The investigation led police to another Cootamundra address about 11am on Friday, where officers spoke with an 18-year-old man.

Police searched the property and allegedly located and seized two wheels and wheel nuts believed to be linked to the earlier incident.

A second crime scene was subsequently established.

While officers were speaking with the teenager, a 20-year-old man who police allege was also linked to the fire arrived at the address.

Both men were arrested and taken to Cootamundra Police Station.

The pair were each charged with larceny valued at less than $2000 and destroying or damaging property in company valued at more than $5000.

The 20-year-old was additionally charged with damaging property by fire or explosion valued at more than $15,000.

The 18-year-old was refused bail to appear before Bail Division Court 5 on Saturday.

The 20-year-old was granted conditional bail and is due to appear before Cootamundra Local Court on Monday, September 21.