A man has been charged with arson after a car fire in Hairini, Tauranga.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand northern communications shift manager Colin Underdown said crews were called to the “well-involved” fire on Wickham Place.

The incident was later left with police.

Police confirmed they were called about 4.45pm on Tuesday after reports of a man allegedly acting suspiciously near a vehicle.

The vehicle caught fire shortly afterwards, a police spokesperson said.

“A 54-year-old man was arrested at the scene and charged with arson.”

He is due to reappear in court in January.

A video sent to SunLive shows a black car parked at the end of a cul-de-sac. It is engulfed in flames and black smoke, and making popping sounds.