(File photo) Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King
Fire and Emergency is investigating a fire that took hold at a commercial building in Hamilton overnight, close to where another blaze was put out last week.
Firefighters were called to the Clarence Street property shortly before 1am Sunday, and remained there for more than three hours.
At its peak, crew from nine fire trucks were fighting the blaze.
Police said at this stage there was nothing to suggest the fire was suspicious or that there was any link to last week's suspected arson at Frankton Motors - a mechanics business on the same street.
Fire investigators have been working through the scene of the latest fire, on Sunday morning.
Firefighters also responded to a Huntly business on fire in the early hours of Sunday morning. Detective Sergeant Simon Evans said that blaze was thought to be suspicious, fire investigators were examining also examining that scene on Sunday, and would like to hear from anyone who may have seen anything.
A drought was declared for Waikato on 7 March, and a total fire ban was issued the same day for North Waikato and the Coromandel Peninsula, which means no outdoor fires are allowed and no fire permits are being issued. Fire and Emergency New Zealand said no one should be doing activities that could cause sparks outdoors, including mowing the lawns or using power tools.
A fire in Hamilton's Clarence Street on Monday is thought to have been arson, police said earlier. Photo: Supplied / Heidi Shoston
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