South Taranaki hall fires: Police rule Manutahi and Pihama blazes accidental

The Pihama Hall in South Taranaki District was “fully involved” in a fire on April 20. Photo / Mel Lyn Payne

Police have deemed two hall fires in South Taranaki this week not suspicious after investigation.

A Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesperson said investigations into the fires at Manutahi Hall and Pihama Hall on April 20 found both were accidental.

They were caused by weather-related events that created electrical issues.

South Taranaki area response manager Senior Sergeant Andrew Russ said an investigation was launched to determine the circumstances of the incidents.

Two scene examinations were carried out with Fire and Emergency investigators and concluded the fires were not suspicious.

Emergency services were called to the 115-year-old Manutahi Hall at 2.09am and extinguished the fire just after 4am.

About 18 hours later, eight fire crews were called to the 125-year-old Pihama Hall, which was “fully involved” in a fire.

Russ said police thanked community members who assisted in the investigation.

Fin Ocheduszko Brown is a multimedia journalist based in Whanganui.