Waimate cafe fire: Investigation launched after early morning blaze

Fire and Emergency staff remain at the scene of the fire. Photo / NZME

A fire investigator is working with police after a blaze ripped through a cafe near Waimate in South Canterbury overnight.

A Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesperson said multiple calls were received just before 1am today after reports of a commercial property on fire.

Two fire trucks and a tanker were initially sent to the scene before a call was put out for more help.

Two further trucks and a specialist vehicle then arrived, helping battle the fire for six hours before it was eventually extinguished just after 7am.

The spokesperson said Fire and Emergency is working with police in examining the cause.

There were no reports of injuries.

The fire is not being considered suspicious at this stage, the spokesperson said.

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