Teachers and students in tears after 'suspicious' fire destroys classrooms at Kaiapoi North School

One of the classrooms on fire this morning at Kaiapoi North School. Photo / Kaiapoi Fire Brigade

A Canterbury school is closed today after a "suspicious" fire in the early hours of this morning destroyed two classrooms and cut off electricity.

Fire and Emergency spokeswoman Lyn Crosson said multiple 111 calls came in about 1.45am about a fire at Kaiapoi North School.

When the first two crews arrived they found the buildings "well alight". Two further crews were requested.

The fire had been extinguished but crews remained on the scene dampening down hotspots.

Crosson said the cause of the fire was not clear but it "seems suspicious".

A police guard was on the scene and a fire investigator would be there this morning to look at possible causes.

The destroyed classrooms were part of the Year 3 and 4 Paneke classroom block.

Principal Jason Miles said about 50 students had lost their classrooms.

He was alerted to the "horrible news" at about 2am.

Teachers and some students had turned up to the school this morning and were in tears, he said.

All the year's work, resources and anything left in overnight were completely gone.

The school was closed for the day due to the fire and loss of electricity.

If I can support the school community in any way following the news of the fire at Kaiapoi North School, please make...

Posted by Matt Doocey MP on Wednesday, 7 November 2018