Building fire in Taupō

Large numbers of Police and Fire and Emergency staff and appliances attended the fire on Tauhara Rd. PHOTO: DAN HUTCHINSON

Five men, aged 28 to 73, are to appear in Taupō District Court, charged with manufacturing methamphetamine and wilfully setting fire to a property and endangering life.

The charges relate to a fire early on Sunday morning, on Tauhara Rd, in a building adjacent to Tauhara Bakery and bordering JR’s Landscaping

Detective Senior Sergeant Ryan Yardley, Taupō Area Investigations Manager says Police became aware of the fire at 5.40am. They believe it was deliberately lit.

“Following initial enquiries, Police believe the property was used to manufacture methamphetamine.”

He says a scene guard was in place overnight and will remain while enquiries continue.

“Police continue to investigate the circumstances around the incident, including conducting a scene examination.

“Five men, aged 28 to 73, are due to appear in Taupō District Court today, charged with manufacturing methamphetamine and wilfully setting fire to a property and endangering life.”

Tauhara Rd between Miro St and Hatton St was closed off for about five hours but was open again by 11.15am on Suuday.

A building adjacent to Tauhara Bakery and bordering JR’s Landscaping was ablaze when Fire and Emergency was alerted at 5.43am.

At the time, Fire and Emergency referred all comments to the Police.

Taupō Area Investigations Manager Detective Senior Sergeant Ryan Yardley said Police “are making enquiries at the scene of a building fire at a Taupō address this morning.

“Police were alerted to the incident at around 5.40am. 

“A number of people are speaking with Police and are assisting our enquiries,” he said on Sunday.