Arson fears over warehouse fire

Forty firefighters spent more than an hour trying to extinguish a suspicious fire which destroyed hundreds of appliances at a warehouse owned by former Olympic chef d'mission Ralph Roberts.

The fire, which started early yesterday, gutted the 464sq m Roberts Electrical warehouse in Takapuna on Auckland's North Shore, where hundreds of appliances including fridges, washing machines and televisions were being stored.

Senior Station Officer Jeff Mills said the fire appeared to have started outside the stairwell to the building which was also used as a service department.

It spread quickly, at times threatening the neighbouring NZ Post building where paint peeled and windows cracked from the intense heat.

Mr Mills said the internal walls collapsed not long after firefighters arrived and there was little that could be done to save the old building.

The main Roberts Electrical store in front of the warehouse also received fire damage along the back wall. It was also badly smoke damaged inside and was yesterday closed to the public.

Managing director Ralph Roberts said he felt "gutted" by the suspicious fire. His parents started the family business 78 years ago.

"Like the building, I'm just gutted. It's not been my brightest day ... but no one's hurt, no one was in the building so that's the best part."

Mr Roberts has represented New Zealand in yachting at three Olympic Games, judged the sport in two Olympics - including at Athens last year - and was appointed the chef d'mission at Barcelona in 1992.

Mr Roberts said the appliances were insured and he hoped the front store would be open for business again today. He was also heartened by the response from the community.

"The number of people that have been ringing up and offering to help has just been unbelievable."

North Shore police are investigating the fire and would like to speak to anyone who may have been in the area of the Hurstmere shops.

"People in that area of Takapuna or driving through may have seen something that appeared to be suspicious such as a car or person near the scene of the fire," said Detective Constable Dean Gorrie.