Police probe hotel fire

Police are probing after a suspicious fire at the Pinelands Hotel in Kawerau and reports that the owner was doused in petrol during a robbery before the blaze early today.

Eastern Bay of Plenty police say they are not yet able to confirm whether the owner was doused in petrol.

Detective Sergeant Ross Everest of Whakatane police said firefighters were called to the hotel about 3am.

By the time the first fire trucks arrived the flames had a good hold on the 70 metre-long building and firefighters were still battling the blaze two hours later.

The hotel's bar area was well ablaze when emergency services arrived and it was gutted, he said.

Mr Everest said the fire was being treated as suspicious, Whakatane CIB were investigating.

"As you can imagine, the investigation is in its very early stages. However, there are indications that a male at the scene was the victim of an aggravated robbery just prior to the fire starting. This man managed to escape the fire.

"We understand there are media reports that this person was doused in petrol during the course of this robbery. This is an aspect that we are investigating. However, it is too early to confirm this at this stage as we are waiting for further work to be completed," Mr Everest said.

Police investigators would work closely with the Fire Service at the scene.

Police want to hear from anyone who may have been drinking at the hotel before it closed at 2am, as well as anyone who may have been driving past or in the area around this time.

"This man (the owner) may have had a very lucky escape, and this dangerous situation could have turned out differently. Obviously we are very keen to find those responsible as soon as possible so that they can be held accountable for their actions," Mr Everest said.

The hotel is a one-level structure but has a part-mezzanine level and has a sports bar, gaming machines and a wholesale liquor outlet.

The business was advertised for sale.

- NZPA