A man will face court charged following a house fire at Lochinvar early this morning.
About 1am today (Wednesday 14 January 2026), emergency services were called to a St Helena Close, Lochinvar, following reports of a fire.
Fire and Rescue NSW attended and found a house well alight and worked to extinguish the blaze; however, the house 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 suffered smoke inhalation and attended John Hunter Hospital for treatment.
Officers attached to Port Stephens/Hunter Police District established a crime scene and commenced investigations into the fire.
Following inquiries, the 22-year-old man was charged with damage property by fire/explosion this afternoon.
He was refused bail to appear before Bail Division Court 2 tomorrow (Thursday 15 January 2026).
