Maputo - At least seven people were killed by wildfires started by an arsonist in Gorongosa District, where the famous Gorongosa National Park is located, Mozambique's national radio station reported Thursday.

Among the victims, five were children who died when the huts they were sleeping in were overrun by fire.

The fires engulfed several houses, barns and a school, and destroyed crops. A man was in police custody.

It was the second major fire within a week in the central region of Mozambique. On Monday a blaze killed eight people in Manica province. The fires have been exacerbated by dryness and strong winds across the region. (dpa)