Hotel fire: owner soaked in petrol

Pinelands Motor Hotel in Kawerau went up in flames after robbers burst in early yesterday and demanded money from the owner. Photo / Supplied

A hotelier who was doused with petrol during a robbery was lucky to escape with his life as the building was gutted by fire soon after.

Most of the Pinelands Motor Hotel in Kawerau faces demolition after flames swept through its two-storey bar about 3am yesterday.

After closing the bar at 2am, owner Dennis Angus was reportedly confronted by robbers demanding money from the till and the safe.

Onlookers said he was doused with petrol but managed to crawl out of the building when it caught alight soon after. A neighbour, who did not want to be named, told the Herald the Fire Service found Mr Angus on a lawn beside the property.

"He stank of petrol and had a big bump to the head. The poor guy could have been cooked at the speed the place went up. He's lucky to be alive."

Mr Angus was taken to the Kawerau police station where he showered and was given clothes.

He was shaken but not seriously injured, said police.

Guests were staying at the hotel, but their rooms were untouched by the flames and they escaped safely.

Detective Sergeant Ross Everest said the fire was being treated as suspicious. He could not confirm the owner had been doused in petrol, but said that formed part of the inquiry.

The investigation was in its early stages, but it appeared Mr Angus had been caught up in an aggravated robbery just before the fire started.

"[The owner] may have had a very lucky escape, and this dangerous situation could have turned out differently. Obviously we are very keen to find those responsible so they can be held accountable for their actions."

A neighbour said he was woken about 3am by cracking sounds.

"It didn't look that bad at first, but when the fire guys kicked open the front door it was all on. The flames were twice as high as the place."

Residents said they could feel the heat of the flames from 100m away.

Ten fire units were required to fight the blaze, which was not completely out until 7am.

Yesterday, a building inspector said 90 per cent of the inside was damaged, and the hotel would probably be torn down. It was listed for sale online.

Fire Service area manager Ron Devlin said the old furnishings in the hotel pub would have made potent fuel for the fire.

Mr Everest is keen to hear from anyone who drank at the hotel in the hours before it closed.