A significant fire incident at a small community located between Whakatāne and Murupara has necessitated the involvement of several fire brigades from the surrounding area to bring the blaze under control.
A representative from Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) reported that multiple emergency calls were received around 1 a.m., indicating that a single-storey structure was ablaze in Waiōhau.
FENZ estimated the size of the building to be approximately 900 square meters.
According to FENZ, all individuals have been accounted for.
During the height of the fire, a second alarm was activated, prompting the dispatch of five fire engines, two water tankers, a command unit, and a support vehicle to the location. FENZ personnel remain on-site, accompanied by a fire investigator.
Waiōhau is a rural settlement situated in the Whakatāne District within the Bay of Plenty region.
