Getting the jump on rival party hire businesses requires some lateral thinking.

In the case of Awesome Party hire, police allege owner James Balcombe's burning ambition to be No.1 led him to pay an employee to go on a two-month spree torching rival party businesses.

James Balcombe outside court. Credit:Jason South

Between December 19 last year and February 17 – five rivals were hit by a combined 10 fires, most started by Molotov cocktails.

The alleged spree peaked with one blaze causing $1-million-worth of damage, destroying dozens of jumping castles, a stretch limo and a mechanical bull, amongst other equipment.