Grantham said there were concerns about the stability of the remaining structure and they needed to make sure staff are safe while they carry out their work.
“While the investigation is ongoing, police are also providing wrap-around support to the family and neighbours,” Grantham said.
“I want to acknowledge the support we’ve had from the Sanson township and wider Manawatū community.
“Events like this hit at the hearts of our communities and we are doing everything we can to answer the many questions around this devastating incident.”
Grantham said further information will be provided when it becomes available.
Manawatū District Mayor Michael Ford said police confirmed the fatalities to him, calling the incident “a sore hit” for the tight-knit town.
“This is going to hurt our community - we are a caring community who will feel this deeply,” Ford said.
“It’s a tragedy, and our hearts go out to the family and the friends of the deceased. We hope that they’ll accept our sincere condolences.
“[Sanson] is an important part of our Manawatū community. We must thank our police and our fire and emergency, and all the responders.”
He said police confirmed to him that four people had died in the blaze.
“Police have told me, they’ve told me four people - including three children.”
Neighbours told the Herald yesterday that the family that resided at the now gutted home are “lovely”.
A person who lives near the fire said the incident is “very upsetting”.
“All I can say is they are a lovely family and neighbours.”
The neighbour described the children at the home as “happy, sweet kids”.
Police earlier confirmed they were not seeking anyone else in relation to the fire.
Grantham announced the deaths in a statement on Saturday evening. “Police can confirm there have been several fatalities at the scene of a house fire in Sanson.”
The Herald understands police had been searching for three children after the blaze broke out.
Fire and Emergency NZ handed the scene over to the police, who then commenced an investigation into the circumstances of the fire.
A police scene guard remained in place overnight on Saturday.
The large blaze closed State Highway 1 between Phillips St and Speedy Rd, police said.
Firefighters from the Bulls, Rongotea, Manawatū, Whanganui, Marton and Palmerston North brigades were called to the serious incident.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand declined to comment when approached by the Herald.
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