Wellington fire: Known arsonist says police interviewed him about fatal Loafers Lodge blaze

He said he was questioned by police after being convicted of an arsonist who was staying at a Wellington hostel that killed at least six people in a fire that broke out today.

The man posted on social media that he was inside Loafers Lodge when the fire broke out. Herald He had been questioned by police since around noon.

“Police are still questioning me…but detectives are asking questions that my superiors have asked me to ask,” he said. “I don’t know why…but it’s frustrating…he keeps saying ‘it’s almost over’.”

Asked by police if he believed he was responsible for the fire, the man said: “I thought so, but I think it’s because of my interviews with the media…they think I know a lot.”

When asked about his criminal record of arson, he declined to comment but denied starting the fire.

He declined to say what questions the police asked him.

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After being questioned by police, he said: Herald “Out of respect for the families of the victims and the seriousness of the fire as police are still investigating, I am not providing any information,” he said.

He also said police had asked him not to comment further to the media.

A police spokesman said police were focused on “resolving the immediate case and ensuring the welfare of those involved.”

“An investigation into what happened is ongoing, but it is too early to comment on the details at this stage.”

“The cause of the fire is unknown at this time,” said Inspector Dion Bennett, deputy district commander for Wellington Police.

“Police do not believe the fire was intentional. A thorough investigation is required,” he added.

New Zealand Fire and Emergency Service Assistant National Commander Bruce Stubbs said the fire was being treated as “suspicious”.

At least six people are confirmed dead and 11 are missing after a fire broke out at a Newtown hostel around midnight.

Firefighters described the scene they faced as their “worst nightmare”.

More than 80 firefighters were dispatched, and a total of 52 people, including 5 residents, were rescued from the roof.

The Department of Corrections’ Lower North Regional Deputy Director Brittany McNamara said nine people with community-based judgments or orders are staying at Loafers Lodge.

Seven of them were acquitted and two received extended supervision orders, which can be imposed after imprisonment of up to 10 years.

“We are now able to confirm that nine people with community judgments or orders lived at this address.

“Seven people have been identified and staff continue to work with FENZ and police to ensure the safety of the remaining two.

“We are sending a team of community correctional staff to welfare centers to provide support.”

A search and rescue team arrives at the Loafers Lodge building ahead of an investigation to determine the cause of the devastating fire.

Fire and emergency district manager Nick Pyatt said six personnel are currently on the scene, including the Urban Search and Rescue (USAR), which consists of technicians and drone operators.

USAR forces are currently assessing structural integrity before beginning an investigation.

“Once you have access to the next building, [the] As we move through the structural integrity process, we will work to clear hot spots to enable the investigation process,” Pyatt said.

He said the fire and ambulance service will work with police to investigate.

“At this stage, we are unable to confirm the cause of the fire or any other details regarding the circumstances of the fire.”

Health Minister Aisha Belal said two of the five people taken to hospital this morning were still receiving emergency treatment.

One was taken to Hutt Hospital in critical condition.