An early-morning arson attempt at the Skyrock Cafe, at the summit of the Rimutaka Hill Rd, could have claimed two lives.
Masterton Fire Service fire safety officer Henry Stechman said an accelerant was used to start the fire in the cafe's porch.
"Fortunately, there were smoke detectors installed and they did eventually wake the people staying at the back of the cafe," he said.
"But the potential for this fire to have claimed lives is very real and is being taken very seriously.
Cafe manager Phill Faulkner said a passing former firefighter noticed the flames about 5.15 am and called the Fire Service, before tackling the blaze.
Arson posed threat to life
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