Northern CIB detectives have today charged a 28 year old Longford man with arson following a fire at a Longford residence about 9.15pm last night.

The Wellington St residence was extensively damaged, with an estimated value of $250,000.

The man was arrested at the scene and was charged with one count of arson this afternoon.

The man was bailed to appear in the Launceston Magistrates Court on 22 September.