KEY POINTS:
Police have been called in to investigate a suspicious blaze in a mixed residential and commercial building in central Wellington early today.
Wellington fire communications shift manager Mike Wanoa said the fire in Martin Square off Taranaki Street began in three different areas on the top floor of the multi-story building around 4.39am.
"Upon arrival we found the top floor fully ablaze," he said.
Firefighters conducted a thorough search of the building for anyone who may have been trapped but everyone had been accounted for.
"At the height of the fire we had eight appliances there, plus two aerial units (ladders) and other supporting appliances," Mr Wanoa said
The fire was considered suspicious and had been referred to police, he said.
It was not yet clear how the fire started or the extent of the damage.
"We've got our fire safety people attending as well as the police CIB," he said
- NZPA
