Children suspected of starting two fires at an Anglican church in West Auckland

Police are investigating two suspicious fires in two days at the Good Shepherd Church in West Auckland.

The vicar of the Anglican church, the Rev. Learne McGrath, said she is inclined to think the fires were started by children.

The last fire this afternoon was caused by orange road cones that ignited inside the church, he said.

Three fire trucks attended the fire on Moire Rd in Massey at 2.25pm ​​and quickly put the fire out. It only did a little damage on the surface. There was no damage to the structure, McGrath said.

He said there was a similar fire at the same location at 10 p.m. Thursday. A large label was also painted on the exterior of the building.

McGrath was disappointed by the attacks on the church, which is being upgraded to provide advice on food banks and budgets for the community.

He said it was the first time in church history that something like this had happened. The fires are being investigated by police, he said.

“We are very hopeful that it won’t happen again. It’s a difficult site to secure,” McGrath said, adding that the church is considering putting a security person at the site.

A Fire & Emergency spokeswoman said they received a call about the fire on Moire Rd in Massey at 2.25 p.m. and shipped three appliances.

A woman who lives across the street said she saw smoke coming from the back of the church, which is being renovated.

He said the fire had gone out and there didn’t appear to be much damage.

A couple nights ago, he said firefighters showed up at the church and there were a series of firecrackers last night, “a lot.”

In December last year, a fire severely damaged the historic 141-year-old St. Stephen’s Church in Ponsonby.

Smoke from the fire could be seen from as far away as Auckland’s north shore.