Papamoa fire being treated as arson

Following an examination this morning at the site of a major fire at the SH2 and Domain Road interchange at Papamoa, police are treating the fire as suspicious.

The community is being asked to provide police with any information that may assist with this investigation, and this includes any photos or video images taken before or during the fire.

Emergency services were called to the fire at approximately 8pm last night (Thursday, 20 November).

The bridge construction site which is part of the Tauranga Eastern Link Project was significantly damaged by the blaze.

The site was closed at the time and thankfully no workers were hurt.

However the cost of the damage is considerable and is likely to impact significantly on the progress of the project.

Police are continuing to work closely with fire investigators to establish the cause in more detail but based on initial information have launched an arson investigation.

It was still daylight at the time of this fire, so someone may have seen something suspicious around the site at that time.

This was a very significant fire, so the person responsible is likely to have ‘bragged’ about his/her actions.

We would like to hear from anyone who may have knowledge of this fire or who is responsible for this intentional and senseless criminal behaviour.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Darryl Brazier on 07 213 0417.

Information can also be provided anonymously to the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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