Police investigate suspicious hedge blaze by Waitaki Boys’ High in Ōamaru
Police are now treating a vegetation fire near Waitaki Boys’ High School in Ōamaru as suspicious following inquiries into the incident.
Emergency services were called to a line of trees between Virgil St and Waitaki Ave about 9am yesterday.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand said crews responded to reports of the blaze shortly before 9am. The fire involved a 200m-long macrocarpa hedge and at one stage threatened a nearby structure.
Eight Fire and Emergency vehicles, including tankers and pumping appliances, responded to the incident.
The school posted on its social media page at the time that “everyone is safe”.
“As you will know, there has been a fire on the school grounds, hedge on Don field. Fire is now under control, and everyone is safe. Huge thanks to the emergency services for their quick response.”
Sergeant Blair Wilkinson said the fire had initially been treated as unexplained but was now being investigated as suspicious.
“Emergency services were called to a line of trees between Virgil St and Waitaki Ave at around 9am yesterday.
“Initially, the fire was treated as unexplained; however, after inquiries police are treating the fire as suspicious.
“We have identified several persons of interest who are assisting police with the investigation, which continues.”
Police said inquiries are ongoing.