Historic Christchurch building destroyed in suspected arson

Arson is suspected in an early morning blaze that gutted one of Christchurch's most historic buildings.

The 110-year-old two-storey building, part of Christ's College school, caught fire at about 6am.

Deputy Fire Chief Dave Burford said it was the former principal's house, which had been moved across the road and was supported on large jacks.

He said the historic wooden building was fully alight when fire crews arrived.

Mr Burford said it took six fire engines and 25 men almost an hour to put out the blaze roaring through the wooden building.

- NEWSTALK ZB