POLICE are on the hunt for an arsonist who lit nine fires across the inner west last night.

Fire fighters were kept busy as they were called in to douse six street fires in Newtown and three in Forest Lodge between 10.30pm and midnight.

Inspector Andrew Garner said the firebug, who crossed Parramatta Rd to continue their path of destruction, was still on the run.

media_camera Residents watch as fire fighters extinguish a fire in a car port in Brown Lane Newtown. Picture: Gordon McComiskie

“There were multiple bins set on fire around Newtown and Forest Lodge,” Inspector Garner said.

“Some fences that were next to them caught alight and one place there was damage to the external wall and a power box. In Forest Lodge there was a tree set fire to and a bin and a mattress.

“We don’t have any suspect but we’ll be canvassing for CCTV and more witness statements.”

Scottish student Sarah Goodwin, 22, packed a bag with her passport and fled when her neighbouring townhouse was set alight on Brown Ln, Newtown about 11pm.

“Our rooms are up there next door and we smelt the fire. We opened the door and it was very smoky so we grabbed our important documents,” Ms Goodwin said.

“Neighbours before the fire brigade got here were spraying their hose from the roof onto the fire.”

media_camera Forensic officers comb the scene for evidence. Picture: Gordon McComiskie

Daniel Martin who lives across the road thought the whole building could have been destroyed initially.

“It looked like it could’ve taken the whole building,” Mr Martin said.

“We saw smoke and flames coming above the building from our place across the road, smoke was pouring out.

“The fire is actually in backyard so it looks like someone has thrown something in.”

Fire fighters were also called to Park Ln and Iverys Ln where mattresses and bins were incinerated damaging nearby back fences.

Police would like anyone with information to come forward.