NSW teen arrested over bushfire

A teenage boy accused of deliberately lighting a bushfire that burnt through hectares of scrub, coming close to a Central Coast shopping centre and homes, has been detained by NSW police.

The 16-year-old was on Friday night arrested at a Bateau Bay home a few hours after he allegedly ignited the blaze in scrub at Killarney Vale.

"Firefighters prevented the fire from spreading to nearby houses and a shopping centre, however, several hectares of bushland were burnt out as a result," police said.

Investigators are searching for another 16-year-old boy they believe was involved.

The alleged firebug won't be charged but will be required to attend a youth conference, where he will be spoken to by police and the NSW Fire and Rescue service.