Significant fire engulfs Waipawa Four Square
Firefighters from around the district continue to battle a fire that engulfed the Waipawa Four Square during the early hours of this morning.
Emergency services were called to the fire on High Street, State Highway 2 at 4.30am this morning.
A Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) spokesperson said the fire is currently at a 3rd alarm level, with crews from Waipawa, Waipukurau, Hastings, Napier, Otane, Taradale, Ongaonga, Tamatea, and Tikokino in attendance.
Morning reveals the extent of the damage caused by the fire.
Photo: Steph Anderson
High St (SH 2) is currently closed, with diversions in place down Harker St. "We ask that the public avoid the area to allow crews to work."
A police spokesperson said police are on scene assisting FENZ with traffic management. Diversions are in place at Kenilworth Street for those heading north, and Victoria Street heading south.
As of 7.30am part of the water supply to the immediate area of town had been shut down, a Central Hawke's Bay District Council spokesperson said.
"We ask you continue to give space and respect the teams working."
At 6.15am, the spokesperson said the major fire in the Waipawa town centre was affecting all of the major Roading routes and having a major draw on our water network. You can expect low pressure in your system for some time yet. There are multiple detours in place.
"In the meanwhile, we ask you to please allow Fire and Emergency NZ to do the great job they do and keep clear of all appliances and the wider area."
"Our heart goes out to Graham and the Waipawa 4 Square Whanau. Kia Kaha Central Hawke’s Bay."
