Large fire guts building in Napier

A large fire has gutted the offices of an iwi authority in Napier this afternoon.

Te Taiwhenua o Whanganui a Orotu building on Owen St was "well involved" when firefighters were called to the premises just before 2pm today, according to Fire Service central communications shift manager Murray Dunbar.

Mr Dunbar said the building is about 300 square metres in size.

He said there were no reports of people being trapped inside and no injuries, however children from a neighbouring kohanga reo had been evacuated.

Four fire engines, as well as specialist vehicles, brought the fire under control and were dampening the building down, he said.

Fire safety officers will investigate the cause of the fire.

- NZ HERALD STAFF, NZPA