The Police are making enquiries into a large blaze which had destroyed the gymnasium at Rongotai College in Wellington. According to this Police, they are of the belief that the fire was not accidental but a deliberate one.

Because of the blaze, the roof of the 100x20-metre gymnasium fell down and collapsed, which according to a spokesman rendered it 90% damaged.

Around 50 fire-fighters and 14 appliances came into to fight the blaze at the college right after 1am. One fire crew stayed at the scene this morning just to keep a look out for hot spots.

Northerly winds which had been giving the wind to the flames resulted in the temporary evacuation of residents from their houses to a close by street.

It took many hours to extinguish the fire. In fact, the blaze was so intense that the steel-framed roof fell in from inwards, as informed by Detective Senior Sergeant Donna Howard.

The principal and Board of Trustees members of the college came to the school to find the burnt remains of their college's gym.

The emergency services are still going on at the site today and the search for the source of the fire is still on.