Suspicious fire at old Tip Top factory

Firefighters took two hours to get on top of a blaze at an old Tip Top ice cream factory in Christchurch last night.

They were called out just before 11.30pm to find the Blenheim Road building engulfed in flames.

Fire Service southern communications supervisor Riwai Grace said it took nine trucks and about 35 firefighters - nearly all the city's resources - to put the fire out.

Volunteer fire fighters from surrounding areas had to be put on standby in case more fires sprung up around the city.

The ice cream factory had not been used since last year and was due to be demolished.

The Fire Service said the fire was unlikely to have started without help from someone.

It was being treated as suspicious and a fire safety officer will begin investigating the cause today.

A truck remained at the scene this morning to ensure flames did not flare up again.

- NZPA