Cause of supermarket fire unknown

The cause of the Kaikohe supermarket fire may never be known.

Fire Service investigators were unable to determine the cause of last Tuesday's New World fire after three days on the scene, though they have ruled out arson.

The Far North District Council had ordered the demolition of the gutted building, which is now in the hands of insurance assessors, to be completed by yesterday.

However, it has now given the owners a reprieve to establish whether any asbestos is in the building. The owners will also be required to remove all food from the premises before tearing it down.

Though investigators were unable to find the cause of the fire, which has left 70 employees out of work, they were not ruling out "some form of electrical energy".

Northland fire safety officer Craig Bain said: "Unless the insurance investigators find the cause it might have to go as 'undetermined' because the place has to be demolished, it's a structural and health risk."

Speculation that the fire began due to an electrical fault caused by a computer glitch shortly before the blaze was unfounded.

Mr Bain said the large quantities of plastic and cardboard packaging in the supermarket had contributed to its taking hold and engulfing the building in just minutes.

- NORTHERN ADVOCATE (WHANGAREI)