A fire at a storage area of a Whangarei business has destroyed thousands of dollars worth of stock but the doors remain open for last minute Christmas shopping. Arthur's Emporium is open for business, the owners confirmed early today. The blaze, that started just before midnight, destroyed thousands of dollars worth ofstock in the storage area, alongside the main shop, on Albert St. Fortunately a 1.2 metre wide gap between the two buildings prevented it from spreading into the new main shop area that has just been completed. Firefighters had the fire under control by 3am but remained at the scene overnight to dampen hotspots and clear debris. One of the owners Arthur Brasting said the shop would be remain open and only close for the stat holidays over Christmas before opening again next Wednesday. Police are investigating and have made an arrest.
