The fire which destroyed the Orewa Tavern yesterday is not thought to have been deliberately lit.
The blaze, which broke out about 10.30am, was fed by a fresh breeze and ceiling cavities also assisted its spread. Staff in the building at the time escaped unharmed.
An automatic fire sprinkler system would have
limited the damage, said deputy chief fire officer Wayne Highet, but regulations did not require sprinkler systems in such buildings.
The blaze was being investigated by the police and Fire Service, but spokesmen from both organisations said it was not thought to have been deliberately lit.
John Brown, who last night described himself as the owner of the tavern, would not comment. However the Herald understands that yesterday was also the day the premises were due to change ownership.
Fire appliances from Warkworth to Takapuna attended the blaze and smoke could be seen billowing from many parts of Orewa. Fire crews remained throughout the day to dampen hot patches and flare-ups.
