13 firefighting crews called to Trees Tavern fire in Tokoroa; investigation launched

An investigation into a dramatic blaze at a derelict building that prompted responses from 13 different firefighting crews has begun.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) shift manager Garreth Lewis said the fire at the single-level derelict Tokoroa building in Balmoral Drive was well-involved when firefighting crews arrived about 2am.

Multiple fire crews battling Tree's Tavern blaze in Tokoroa. Photo / Mangakino Volunteer Fire Brigade

Lewis told the Rotorua Daily Post the blaze was reported at 1.51am and fire crews from Tokoroa, Putaruru, Tīrau, Mangakino, Rotorua, Taupō, Tauranga, Cambridge, Matamata, Ōpōtiki, Ngāruawāhia, Matatā and Kinleith Mill brigades responded.

Firefighting resources at the scene were reduced about 10am, and only a fire investigator and crew members from the Tokoroa station were still at the scene dampening down hotspots, he said.

It was too early to say whether the fire, which measured 60 metres by 60m, was suspicious, Lewis said.

Sandra Conchie is a senior journalist at the Bay of Plenty Times and Rotorua Daily Post who has been a journalist for 24 years. She mainly covers police, court and other justice stories, as well as general news. She has been a Canon Media Awards regional/community reporter of the year.