Detectives from the Southern Investigation Section have charged a 37-year-old woman with arson in relation to a structure fire in Alice Springs last night.

Detective Constable First Class Nicholas Barnes said the woman allegedly set fire to a mattress and clothing on the veranda of a house in Trucking Yards Camp at around 11:15pm.

“Police, Fire and Rescue crews attended the scene and extinguished the flames.

“Four people were inside the house at the time of the incident and were evacuated. Fortunately no one was injured.

“The fire was contained to the veranda which sustained damage to the floor and walls.”

The woman was arrested at the scene and charged with arson and criminal damage.

She will appear in Alice Springs Magistrates Court at a later date.