Former Waitōtara fire station blaze caused by electrical fault

Fire and Emergency NZ responded to a blaze at the former fire station on Kaipo St in Waitōtara, South Taranaki. Photo / Fin Ocheduszko Brown

A “well-involved” blaze at Waitōtara’s former fire station has been deemed accidental.

Fire and Emergency NZ crews were notified of the fire about 11.45pm on Saturday, August 2.

A Fire and Emergency spokesperson said the fire at the former fire station on Kaipo St had been classified as accidental and not suspicious.

A fire investigator had determined an “unspecified electrical event” caused the blaze.

Crews from Hāwera, Whanganui, Waverley, Waitōtara, Pātea, Stratford and Kohi responded to the “well-involved structure fire” in the 10m by 15m building and nine water tankers and trucks were required.

The fire spread to a neighbouring property but was extinguished.

Two people were injured during the fire. Photo / Fin Ocheduszko Brown

The last crew left the scene about 4.20am on Sunday and the fire investigator attended later in the morning.

Hato Hone St John responded with one ambulance and one patient with moderate injuries was taken to Whanganui Hospital.

Another person, in a minor condition, was assessed and treated at the scene.

It is the second major fire in the small South Taranaki village this year. In April the historical Waitōtara Hotel was destroyed after an accidental fire.