A Dubbo man will spend the holidays behind bars after allegedly breaking into a unit that was destroyed by fire.

Trevor James Keys, 43, was refused bail by Magistrate Gary Wilson at Dubbo Local Court on Monday.

Keys pleaded not guilty to one count of breaking and entering a house causing damage, and one count of damaging a property by fire.

Police allege Keys forced entry to a unit on Fitzroy Street, before setting the premises on fire about 7.45pm on Sunday.

Emergency services attended and evacuated the unit block, however the blaze caused extensive damage to the unit.

Despite best efforts of firefighters several surrounding units were damaged by water and smoke.

Orana Mid-Western Police officers later arrested the 43-year old at the location and was taken to Dubbo Police Station where he was refused bail.

Keys and the matter will return to Dubbo Local Court on February 3, 2021.

EARLIER

A UNIT on Fitzroy St has been badly damaged following a fire overnight.

Station Officer, Chris Cusack, said that at approximately 9pm on Sunday, December 20, fire officers arrived at the scene to find the unit well alight.

"The fire had taken hold but we were able to prevent the fire spreading to the adjoining units," he said.

"Police also attended, assisting with evacuating residents from the area, and no-one was injured.

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"We were in attendance for around one and a half hours along with the ambulance service and the managing authority of the complex.

"Police are investigating the cause of the fire."

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