Police and the Fire Service are investigating a fire in a block of flats in Fitzherbert St, Hokitika, overnight.
The fire broke out shortly after midnight and caused extensive damage to a block of units in the complex. Fire crews from Hokitika, Ross and Greymouth took more than four hours to extinguish the fire.
The remains of the building will need to be made safe before investigators can enter the scene and begin the examination to determine the cause of the fire. At this stage the cause is unknown.
Only one of the units was currently tenanted and Police believe the occupant was out of town at the time. One tenant in another building on the site was evacuated as a precaution.
Police would like to speak to anyone who was in the area around the time the fire broke out and ask them to call Hokitika Police Ph 756 8310. Information can also be given by calling Crimestoppers Ph 0800 555 111.
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