Police investigate blaze at CYFS office

Police are investigating a suspicious fire at the Child Youth and Family (CYFS) office in Levin.

Constable Ian Hamblyn said the fire in the Chamberlain St office was reported just before 2am today.

Other offices in the building were not damaged because of thick concrete walls, Mr Hamblyn told NZPA.

The Fire Service earlier reported the fire had been in the Memorial Hall. It is understood the CYFS building is opposite the hall.

Police were investigating the suspicious fire but would not say whether the CYFS office was specifically targeted.

Appliances from Otaki and Waitarere helped fight the blaze, which was out by early morning.

Fire safety officers had finished their scene examination by 2.30pm today.

A CYFS spokeswoman said it would wait for the police investigation to "fully establish the facts of what happened".

"The most important thing is that no one was hurt.

"Plans are in place for the Levin staff to be redeployed to ensure that the district continues to receive the same supports as normal."

Anyone needing to contact CYFS in the area should call 0508 Family.

- NZPA