Police consider a fire that ravaged businesses on Main Street in Carterton in the early hours of Thursday morning as suspect.
Fire and Emergency, and police investigators believed the fire had started at Midway Barbers, a central location in a cluster of four High St stores near the corner of Holloway St.
Senior Detective Sergeant Barry Bysouth said they did not yet know the cause but were looking for witnesses.
“The site survey has been completed and further investigations will be conducted to determine whether or not the fire was started on purpose.
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“We have a number of CCTV avenues to follow, but we ask anyone with any information to contact us.”
The building was fully on fire when crews arrived just after midnight, Carterton Deputy Fire Chief Blaine Smith said. The crews remained at the scene near Holloway St until approximately 4 a.m.
Affected companies include Wairarapa Web Design, Madam Plum, Midway Barber Shop, and Carterton Food Market.
Piers Fuller / Tricks
A building was badly damaged in a fire on Main Street in Carterton overnight.
Owner of one of the businesses, Dan Broughton, said he was insured, but the fire was disappointing as a lot of money had been spent recently to bring it up to earthquake-proof standards.
“We are all a little fragile. This is the first thing I discovered when I got up. The building is not in great shape, it could be a lot worse, hopefully fixable.
“I was hoping to go back in a few months, so obviously it’s going to be pushed back a bit further.
Piers Fuller / Tricks
A major clean-up is underway following the fire which broke out shortly after midnight.
“There are a lot of changes happening on Main Street, the worst part is that businesses are affected. I guess it’s an opportunity to rebuild and do some things better, ”Broughton said.
Carterton Mayor Greg Lang said the blaze came at a time when the city was going through “massive change” due to earthquake legislation.
“It’s really devastating for business owners and the small businesses affected,” Lang said.
Julian Heyward / Supplied
Police now consider the fire that ravaged businesses on Carterton’s Main Street as suspect.
“[The] The firefighters did a great job and I really regret for the community and business owners who are really struggling right now to deal with earthquake prone buildings, legislation and reinforcement, as well as the effects of Covid-19.
“We are a resilient city and I know there will be a lot of support for the building owner. “
Piers Fuller / Tricks
The building had just been upgraded to earthquake-resistant standards, said one of the store’s owners.
Fire crews from Carterton, Greytown, Masterton, Palmerston North and Hutt Valley attended the blaze.
A Give a small page was set up by the mayor to help support those affected by the fire.
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