Timaru is looking a little less festive this morning after its giant Christmas tree in Caroline Bay suffered significant fire damage overnight. 

Two fire crews were called to the flaming Christmas tree at 5.25am and found the 5m tree “well alight”. 

Police also attended and confirmed in a statement that they had made an arrest. 

“Police were called about 5.30am to central Timaru after a report of the Timaru City Christmas tree being set alight. 

“A short time later, a 30-year-old man was arrested and charges are being considered.” 

A fire investigator attended the aftermath this morning and tagged the blaze as suspicious. 

Firefighters extinguished the flames and have since left the scene. 

Timaru District Council is looking into it. 

“We’re not sure of the cause at this point but will be making the site safe so there may be some disruption in the immediate area,” said a council spokesperson.