He said the fire spread quickly. “The damage to the homestead is significant, but I don’t want to get into a debate about it being knocked down or rebuilt. There is excessive damage.”
JOHN BISSET/Stuff
An aerial view showing the fire damaged historic homestead Te Kiteroa in Waimate. He said it had been difficult for firefighters to get into the roof during the fire which started at 2pm. “It was high and too dangerous from what I understand.” At the height of the fire 40 firefighters attended from Waimate, St Andrews, Glenavy and Timaru. Chambers said he had spoken to “multiple people” as witnesses and studied burn patterns.
Investigator closes in on cause of Te Kiteroa homestead fire stuff.co.nz - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from stuff.co.nz Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
• Source: 1 NEWS
A historic homestead in Waimate, South Canterbury has been extensively damaged, according to fire crew who were called to the scene this afternoon. Te Kiteroia Lodge fire. Source: 1 NEWS
The blaze at Te Kiteroia Lodge off Point Bush has now been extinguished after fire crew an afternoon spent fighting the flames.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand say a call was first received at 1.45pm to attend the “well established” fire, which came from the upstairs area of the two-storey building.
At one point there were over 30 firefighters in attendance, 11 appliances, including six fire trucks, two more providing relief as well as three tankers.
Firefighters are currently at the scene of a blaze at Te Kiteroa Retreat & Historic Homestead in Waimate.
A Waimate local said they noticed smoke comin