Suspicious fire at Kerikeri school

Police are treating a fire at Kerikeri High School early today as suspicious.

Firefighters had to be decontaminated after concerns about the spread of radioactive material and chemicals from the fire which broke out in the school's science labs about 4.30am and quickly spread to other parts of the school.

Fire engines from as far away as Kaitaia and Whangarei were called in to help contain the fire.

Northland fire region commander Trevor Andrews said a specialist from the district council was giving the Fire Service advice to prevent the spread of radioactive materials.

"We are working to decontaminate firefighters involved and make sure the material doesn't spread to water run-off."

Detective Sergeant Rhys Johnston, of Kerikeri, said the fire had destroyed one classroom and seriously damaged several others.

"The fire at the science block appears to have been started outside the classroom, underneath wooden benches," he said.

"The high winds last night would have caused the fire to spread quickly. It may very well be that those responsible hadn't intended for it to go this far."

Police were investigating earlier reports of rubbish bin fires at the Skate Park on Cobham Road, Kerikeri, a short distance from the high school.

Mr Johnston said police were following several good lines of inquiry and hoped that a new surveillance system recently installed by the school would yield results.

"I'm confident that someone within our community will know who is responsible for this school fire," he said.

"Often in circumstances like these word gets back to the school or to the police within a few days. I would like to encourage people to come forward with information, either through the school, the Kerikeri police station or through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111."

- NZPA