Strike Force Billett was established by the Property Crime Squad’s Arson Unit to investigate more than 100 bushfires in the Cessnock area between August 2015 and April 2016.

As a result of their inquiries, a 20-year-old man was arrested at a fire at Lochinvar about 2pm on Thursday April 28.

Following a search of the man's vehicle, investigators also located and seized accelerants and a number of mobile phones.

The man, who is a probationary member of the Rural Fire Service, was taken to Maitland Police Station and charged with five counts of cause fire and be reckless to its spread, and trespass.

He was refused bail to appear at Maitland Local Court by video link on May 4.