Fire ‘deliberately lit’ but not linked to earlier blaze
Investigations into a “deliberately lit” fire at a Flaxmere industrial building are ongoing, but authorities say there’s no reason to believe it’s linked to a suspicious fire nearby days earlier.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand Hawke’s Bay group manager Glen Varcoe said while they couldn’t yet confirm the cause of the fire, “we can confirm that it was deliberately lit”.
“The investigation is ongoing and sits with police at the moment to follow through.”
Emergency services responded to the fire between James Rochfort Pl and Kirkwood Rd, off Omahu Rd, about 9.20pm on Friday.
A truck was completely burnt in the fire, while another trailer and a warehouse at WineWorks Hawke’s Bay was badly damaged.
There was also some damage to the neighbouring property of fruit and vegetable growing, harvesting and marketing operation Bostock New Zealand.
Emergency services also attended a “suspicious” fire at an abandoned residential property on Omahu Rd on Tuesday night.
Asked if there was concern about a serial arsonist in the region, Varcoe said there were no such concerns at this stage.
“It would be quite presumptuous to suggest there was an arsonist until we get confirmation of the police investigation.”
A police spokesperson said they were unable to comment further while the incident was still under investigation.
Varcoe said it was important for businesses and homeowners to ensure their properties were secure, to do a bit of “housekeeping” to remove objects of interest to firelighters.
If people noticed unusual activity, he said they should call the police.