Forty firefighters battle suspicious Hamilton fire, person rescued from top floor

A person has been rescued after a suspicious fire in a commercial building in Hamilton overnight.

Police are investigating the fire on the top floor of the Hamilton Microtel Lodge, a three-storey building on Ulster St, Whitiora.

Fire and Emergency northern shift manager Paul Radden said the first call came at 1.15am, with reports of multiple people inside the building.

About 40 firefighters attended, helping people out of the building and rescuing one from the top floor.

Police said one person on an upper level was helped out after becoming trapped.

“Two occupants were taken to hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation with minor injuries,” a spokesperson said.

Police were speaking with a person of interest.

“A scene examination is due to take place today to determine the cause or starting point of the blaze and an investigation is ongoing.”

Fire and Emergency carried out a sweep of the building to ensure nobody else was inside.

The fire has been extinguished and crews have left the scene.