A man has been arrested, charged, and sent for a mental health assessment after allegedly setting fire to a block of flats in Ashmont on Thursday.
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"The 22-year-old male was charged with intentionally or recklessly damaged property by fire," Riverina Police District's Inspector McLay said.
The man will be sent for a mental health assessment under section 33 of the Mental Health Act, Inspector McLay said.
A resident at the Bulolo Street flats told The Daily Advertiser about the terrifying moment.
Mick Wyldman was alerted to the blaze when a fellow neighbour began bashing on his door.
"[A] young man was yelling 'the place is on fire, get out'," he said.
"I stepped outside and looked towards the road and saw flat three on fire."
Mr Wyldman said he already had a bag of essentials packed from a recent hospital stay.
"I grabbed that bag immediately, got my walking stick and went outside to the road to wait for help," he said.
As a result of the blaze, electricity to the block has been cut, so Mr Wyldman has been staying at a friend's house.
A 16-year resident of the unit block, Mr Wyldman is battling lung cancer and said the smoke was suffocating.
"I was so scared I wouldn't be able to breathe," he said.
"But the paramedics and neighbours, everyone there was really supportive and comforting."
