Raglan reeling after fire at historic wharf

Twenty jobs are expected to be lost as a result of today's fire. Photo / Christine Cornege

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The seaside Waikato township of Raglan is reeling after parts of the historic wharf went up in flames this morning.

Three local businesses, including a kayaking venture, a fish and chip shop and a pottery store were destroyed by the large fire, which required several appliances from as far away as Hamilton to contain it.

The local coastguard office was also burned to the ground, while a neighbouring boat building business was spared.

Local councillor Clint Baddeley said the blaze was a particular blow for the close knit community.

"We were just starting to get to the stage where it (the wharf) was happening as a destination in Raglan.

"There are 20 jobs that are lost here and that's devastating for our little community.

"People are a bit gutted actually."

Chief fire officer Kevin Holmes of the Raglan Fire Brigade said fire services received their first call about the blazed at 6.15 this morning.

Fire fighters arrived not long after to find the businesses well ablaze, with bystanders reporting flames up to 10 metres high.

Holmes said investigations had started into the cause of the fire.