Some Wānaka residents are concerned a ‘fire bug’ is on the loose after another incident where a cell phone tower appears to have been set alight.

Police were notified of the incident on Stone Street at around 11.40pm on Tuesday (October 7).

A police spokesperson told the Wānaka App police are making enquiries to determine the circumstances of the incident.

“Members of the public may see an increased police presence in the area while enquiries are ongoing,” the spokesperson said.

Provider OneNZ was approached for comment. 

A cell phone tower and two data boxes were damaged by fire in Albert Town late last month (September 20).

Provider Fortysouth condemned the “wilful damage” which it said can impact the whole community.

“Mobile connectivity provides access to emergency services and keeps our communities connected with each other including people working from home, tradies, couriers and families wanting to stay in contact.” 

‘Wilful damage’ to Albert Town cell phone tower - provider

In July significant damage was done to a cell tower on Lindis Pass-Tarras Road (State Highway 8).

Queenstown Lakes District mayor Glyn Lewers put out a statement condemning “the recent arson attacks”.

“I am deeply concerned and disappointed by the recent acts of vandalism targeting mobile infrastructure in our community. The deliberate destruction of a One NZ cell site in downtown Wānaka — the second such attack in as many weeks — is not only reckless, but it puts the safety and wellbeing of our residents and visitors at risk,” he said.

He urged anyone with information to report it to police.

PHOTO: Supplied