Four businesses hit by ‘suspicious’ blaze
POLICE in Greymouth have begun an investigation into a suspicious fire that badly damaged an Indian restaurant and other nearby businesses.
At its height, more than 60 firefighters had been called in to tackle the blaze early yesterday.
Priya Indian restaurant, in Tainui St, caught fire shortly before 4am and was well alight when crews arrived.
Police said early indications were that the fire was deliberately lit and they were continuing a scene examination yesterday afternoon.
A total of four businesses were affected when the fire spread and the buildings were substantially damaged.
Greymouth Chief Fire Officer Lee Swinburn said crews came from as far afield as Hokitika to help battle the blaze.
The restaurant had ‘‘major damage’’ as did the office block at the rear of that building.
It was an older, twostorey building and the flames had spread through the roof of the structure.
‘‘So it was difficult to tackle but a good effort from all of the brigades.
‘‘There were three other commercial premises attached and they were all saved.’’
The response time was ‘‘really good’’, he said. The neighbouring brigades had been on the scene within five minutes.
Smoke was initially seen coming from the restaurant before it spread to an electrical wholesale business.
The fire was nearly extinguished by 8.30am but a fire investigator remained on site yesterday to determine the cause of the blaze. — NZME