Police from Canobolas Local Area Command and Brisbane Waters Local Area Command have arrested and charged a 49-year-old man in relation to the fire at Cowra Locksmiths and Cowra Chiropractic Health & Wellness Centre less then 24 hours after it had occurred.

Police arrested the man at a residence on The Entrance Road, Wamberal and located clothing and other items related to the offence.

Canobolas Local Area Command Detective Inspector Bruce Grassick said the result was an excellent one by police.

"Due to the extensive work by detectives and staff the action by police has meant this man has been arrested and charged in under 24 hours."

"Historically with this type of crime it is very hard to to identify and prosecute," he said.

The fire which cause around $50,000 worth of damage to the buildings was discovered by Cowra Crest Motel manager Adrian Jorgensen around 1am on Tuesday, April 26.

In a statement building owner Murray Alchin thanked all those involved in putting out the fires and repairing the businesses.

"In the early hours of Tuesday morning April 26 an arsonist tried to destroy a commercial premises in Kendal Street. The smoke alarm woke the managers of the Cowra Crest Motel and thanks to Adrian and Mae's quick thinking and the use of their fire extinguishers they saved the buildings from being completely destroyed.Thanks to the high quality CCTV footage, an early arrest of the suspect has been made."

"Murray Alchin of Cowra Locksmiths Service and Jesse Middleton of Cowra Chiropractic Health and Wellbeing Centre would like to thank all trades people who have been involved in the cleaning and repairing of their businesses, with minimal disruption to business."

"A special thank you to the Cowra Fire Brigade and the Cowra Police Service for their quick action and professionalism which has led to the early arrest of a suspect," the statement said.

The 49 year-old man was released on bail and will appear in Gosford Local Court on May 24, 2016.