'Special effects' at hot pool turn out to be fire

A tourist who found a Rotorua hot pool on fire thought special effects had been installed.

Hell's Gate Waiora Spa chief executive Bryan Hughes said a visitor spoke to staff about the "special effects" that looked like a small fire, on Saturday about 4pm.

On inspection staff found a spreading sulphur fire in a small volcanic crater.

It looked quite spectacular emitting purple and blue flames, Mr Hughes told the Rotorua Post.

Staff alerted the fire service, who poured cold water into the mud pool to put it out.

The business was forced to close on Saturday because of the fire, but reopened Sunday morning.

- NZPA