A tealight candle in a caravan is believed to be to blame for a fire that caused extensive damage on Wednesday at a travellers’ lodge property west of Whatawhata on SH23.
Three fire engines and three water tankers, along with 15 fire staff from Hamilton, Pirongia and Cambridge were called to Glentui Travellers Lodge, on SH23 between Hamilton and Raglan, after the fire broke out in a caravan at about 3pm.
An eyewitness, who was watching the fire from her home, said she heard loud explosions and could see thick smoke drifting towards Raglan.