Friday evening’s
fire at Antonio Hall in the Christchurch suburb of Riccarton
is being treated as suspicious. Fire investigators will
return to the scene this morning to continue the
investigation.
A small crew remained at Antonio Hall
overnight to monitor the building and dampen hot spots, and
will remain to assist fire investigators today. The
investigation is expected to take some time due to the size
of the building and unsafe nature of some parts of the
structure. Fire crews managed to save the chapel from the
fire.
Fire and Emergency was called to Antonio Hall about
5.20pm last night and over 50 firefighters were involved in
putting out the significant blaze. Fifty houses were
evacuated on Wharenui Road as a precautionary measure early
on. Residents were able to return home about 8.30pm.
All
road closures have been lifted in the
area. ENDS
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