Waipawa, Hawke’s Bay Four Square gutted in early morning fire

CHB Four Square has been ruined in a major fire . Photo Ian / Cooper

A Central Hawke’s Bay Four Square has been ruined in a major fire early this morning.

Fire and Emergency services responded to the fire at 4.29am on Sunday, and it was fully extinguished by 7.47am.

SH2/High St is currently closed at Waipawa due to the fire.

A spokesman said eight fire tankers, three support vehicles, and four tankers to supplement the towns water supply were in attendance.

“They just advised that they have the fire contained but the building would be pretty much destroyed,” he said.

He said “it was far too early” to know what started the fire.

Fire and Emergency were called to the scene around 4.30am today. Photo / Google Maps

“But there will be specialists – a Fire and Emergency New Zealand investigator – investigating it.”

Waipawa resident and CHB Museum staff member Rose Chapman said she sends her sincere sympathy to the owner and all the “lovely people who work there”.

“We love that shop and hope they can soon rise again from the ashes,” Chapman said

Central Hawke’s Bay District Council has been asked to shut off part of the town’s water supply.

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“We ask you continue to give space and respect teams working.”

“Our heart goes out to Graham and the Waipawa Four Square whānau.”

Police said the street, which doubles as State Highway 2, was closed and officers were on the scene assisting with traffic management.

Diversions are in place at Kenilworth St for motorists heading north, and Victoria St heading south.