A homeless man who was burnt by a fire he allegedly started in Molonglo is under investigation over a further four fires, a court has heard.
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Shane John Mason, 48, had his right armed heavily bandaged when he applied for bail in the ACT Magistrates Court on Monday.
The father of three is in custody on charges of arson, and possessing a knife and drugs.
Mason pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis on January 5.
But said he would fight allegations he was carrying a 30cm hunting knife and lit a fire on the same day.
His defence lawyer, Andrew Fraser, also indicated Mason would plead not guilty to causing a fire on January 16.
The court heard a resident saw Mason fanning a fire near Tuggeranong Parkway and Lady Denman Drive during heat wave conditions and a total fire ban last week.
The fire damaged a 10 square metre area and had spread to two trees when police arrived.
The court heard police found Mason, suffering burns, under a nearby bridge soon after.
He was taken to the Canberra Hospital and then to Sydney's Concord Hospital to be treated for his injuries.
A police informant told the court Mason had been found hiding in bushland near a four square metre grass fire on January 5.
The cannabis and knife were allegedly discovered in his possession at the time.
The informant said the defendant was under police investigation for a further two fires, and he had been seen in the vicinity a number of other fires attended by Rural Fire Services.
The prosecution opposed bail, arguing the disability pensioner would continue to offend and posed a danger to the community.
But the defence said the alleged risks could be managed by strict bail conditions, including reporting to police.
Mr Fraser said Mason could be bailed to live with his ex-wife and children.
Chief Magistrate Lorraine Walker found Mason would pose a significant threat to public safety if released.
Ms Walker said the prosecution appeared to have a strong case and ordered a forensic mental health.
Mason will face court again next month.