Fire destroys historic Whanganui building

Victoria Ave in Whanganui has re-opened following a fire which destroyed a historic Whanganui building on Monday morning.

Fire investigators and police are still on site and the property at 256 Victoria Ave is still cordoned off.

Little more than a facade remains after fire gutted the two-storey building about 3am.

A nearby resident said he and his wife were woken shortly after 3am.

"It was well alight - a big fire for sure."

The fire started about 3am.

The building has been unoccupied for some years and it was thought nobody was inside after the fire started.

Fire investigators are on the scene this morning. Photo/ Bevan Conley

"It certainly looks suspicious. How can a fire start if the building was empty?"

Photo / Bevan Conley

A firefighter dampens dowen the last remaining sparks after fire engulfed an historic Whanganui building this morning.

Photo / Bevan Conley

The historical two-storey building has been destroyed.

Video: Richmond Campbell

Fire 265 Victoria Ave Photo / Richmond Campbell

Fire 265 Victoria Ave Photo / Richmond Campbell