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Joseph Johnson / Stuff
Investigators are trying to establish what caused a fire at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Waitikiri Dive, Christchurch.
A series of suspicious fires within three hours in Christchurch overnight appear to be linked, police say.
At approximately 3 a.m. on Monday, firefighters received multiple calls about a major fire at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, on Waitikiri Drive, Parklands.
A spokesperson said the building had not been used for congregations since March due to Covid-19, and the meetings are being held online.
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Lyn Crosson, a spokeswoman for New Zealand Fire and Emergencies, said crews from three stations tackled the blaze. The building suffered serious damage.
Joseph Johnson / Stuff
Fire crews tackled a large fire at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses on Waitikiri Drive, Parklands.
“The building was well lit when we arrived. It’s a decent-sized building, ”he said.
“Since then it has become extinct. He is considered possibly suspicious and is under investigation. “
Half an hour later, the alarm was raised at Christchurch Transitional Cathedral on Hereford St about a small fire in a back room.
The fire had died down when firefighters arrived.
Supplied
Fire crews were called to the Christchurch Cardboard Cathedral on Hereford St around 3.30am Monday.
An investigation is ongoing.
A third suspicious fire was reported at Beach Cafe and Wine Bar, on Beach Rd, near Waimairi Beach, shortly after 5:30 a.m. Monday.
A police spokeswoman said the fires appeared to be related and that the police investigation was continuing.
He urged anyone with information, or found in the area of the fires between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m., to call the police at 105 or Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
