Hornby building fire treated as suspicious

A fire investigator is at the scene of a commercial building fire in Hornby, which is being treated as suspicious.

Fire and Emergency crews were called to Shands Road near Amyes Road at 11.30PM.

Fire communications Shift Manager Lyn Crossan said the building was well ablaze by the time crews arrived.

A neighbour who lives across the road from the building said she “heard a big bang and then went out and the whole building was on fire.”

Initially, two crews, one from Wigram and the other from Spreydon stations were called, but more resources were required.

Ilam and Christchurch City station firefighters also attended.

Lyn Crossan said the fire was on the first floor of the building, so an aerial appliance was required.

The fire was put out at 12.10AM she said.

Motorist Craig Haywood was driving past when he saw the build well ablaze.

“Crews had not yet arrived but I could hear sirens already in the distance.”

A scene guard was put in place overnight indicating the suspicious nature of the blaze.

A fire investigator was heading to the scene on Thursday morning.

Fire investigator at scene of suspicious fire in Hornby